Door Industry Journal - Spring 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 28 THE door industry journal spring 2020 Industry News Buildings Across Northern Ireland are Being Designed and Built to Police Crime Prevention Standards to Assist Regeneration Thousands of buildings in Belfast and other cities and towns across Northern Ireland are being designed and built to police crime prevention standards amid growing hopes that regeneration will help create safer and stronger communities. This work is being carried out by civilian Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Their role includes liaising with architects, builders and registered housing associations on a wide range of buildings including homes, hospitals, schools, universities, sports and leisure centres and other places, such as parks. DOCOs seek to ensure that levels of security meet the requirements set by Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, which works alongside Police Services around the UK. Their reference is SBD’s range of authoritative Design Guides which state the standards of physical security, such as robust doors, windows and locks as well as guidance on development layout and landscaping, such as maximising natural surveillance, creating defensible space and minimising excessive through movement. The purpose of the guidance is to create a built environment where crime is reduced, and people feel safe. How SBD works in NI Since April 2008, Registered Housing Associations seeking to undertake new build, major rehabilitation and re-improvement schemes – using Housing Association Grant (HAG) funding – are required to achieve SBD’s Award for physical security and layout and landscaping. HAG funding is when a payment is made to acquire land or buildings and to build, convert or improve housing for rent. Achieving the SBD standard is a requirement of the Department for Communities. The art of persuasion Beyond social housing, DOCOs in Northern Ireland rely on encouraging architects and developers to understand the benefits of including security in their projects. This involves sharing good practice and available evidence, such as crime reductions of up to 87% on new residential developments. DOCOs report that levels of interest in SBD is higher than ever. Backdrop of The Troubles The vast majority of developments incorporating SBD crime prevention measures have been introduced into Northern Ireland following the 30-year period of The Troubles, which culminated in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 – nine years after SBD was launched. For DOCOs the process of implementing SBD principles is the same as in any other Police Force in the UK. An assessment is made of the crime statistics and risks before the SBD Design Guides are applied in a proportionate way. PSNI is committed to being fair to all communities wherever and whenever regeneration opportunities arise. Peace Bridge, Derry Views of North Belfast Belfast skyline with Harland and Wollf cranes