Police Crime Prevention Academy (PCPA)

Qualifications: Crime Prevention Designing Out Crime

About this course

Forming part of the suite of crime prevention qualifications offered by the Police Crime Prevention Academy, this Level 5 Designing Out Crime National Vocational Qualification focuses on specialist designing out crime knowledge and skills to underpin working with other professionals such as architects and planners, and it supports safer communities through the application of Secured by Design.

This national vocational qualification is accredited by the awarding body ProQual and requires work-based evidence to achieve it. It can be accessed through national delivery and a pathway that recognises prior experience and learning (RPEL).

The Academy is just one initiative belonging to Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, a not-for-profit police owned organisation, self-funded through its prevention activities.

How will this designing out crime qualification help me?

You'll understand the theories about why crime happens, the relevant legislation and policies, how to apply the SARA model to local crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) problems and conducting an effective security survey of a substantial public use building.
You’ll analyse the concepts and impact of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in relation to the planned or the built environment.
You’ll understand the design phase in relation to the built environment, how to interpret plans and drawings and the role of other professionals and national organisations in relation to design quality.
You’ll understand the role of the planning system in relation to the built environment, the role of other professionals in the planning process and relevant legislation relating to the planning process.
You’ll analyse an effective Environmental Visual Audit (EVA) in conjunction with partner agencies and the local community, and the key elements of environmental design that prevent opportunities for crime and counter terrorism.
You’ll demonstrate the application of Secured by Design (SBD) standards to a proposed development or refurbishment.
You’ll evaluate the testing and certification processes that underpin security products and the Police Preferred Specification.
You’ll understand schemes that support security including the Safer Parking/Park Mark scheme which is managed by the British Parking Association on behalf of SBD.

The National Vocational Qualification is recognised by UK employers and will be of benefit to:

Designing out crime specialists in the Police
Local Authorities and Health Trusts
Other public and private sector organisations

This qualification is mandated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing as the required qualification for those in Police Designing Out Crime roles.

What’s involved?

Upon completing six days of blended learning via Teams and a residential workshop, you’re provided with learner support over a 12-month period to help you compile work-based evidence for assessment. You will then receive your ProQual e-certificate.

If you’re not going into a Police Designing Out Crime role, you can opt to provide evidence for Unit One only and still achieve the qualification.