21st Century Security and CPTED, 2nd Edition

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33

Graphics, Signage, and

Wayfinding for Security

“Signs, signs, everywhere are signs” are the lyrics from a popular song in the 1960s by the Five Man

Electrical Band. When users of an environment or building occupy a space, messages are given by

the environment to indicate the appropriate use of the space for which it was designed. The use of

graphics and signage is one way of giving the intended messages to the user. Signage and waynding

are part of the Situational CPTED matrix (Clarke), under the section on “removing of excuses and

inducement of shame and guilt.” Stating the ground rules for proper or legitimate usage of a space is

critical for achieving compliance and reducing the facilitators of crime and terror. Having a clear sense

of direction creates safe mobility paths for people and vehicles. Having a clear sense of arrival creates

a greeting that conveys. See Figure 33.1.

Signs can convey a message—good or bad—depending on what the information is and how it is

perceived. For example, the sign in an elevator pictured in Figure 33.2 lets the users know that they

are being watched and recorded, especially if they engage in inappropriate activities.

Graphics are referred to as the symbols that pictorially portray an image or convey a message. An

example is the symbol of a person in a wheelchair, or a man or woman (see Figure 33.3).

Signage refers to conveying a message with letters, words, or graphics/symbols. One of the major

purposes of security signage is to put the user of that space on notice, that is, shifting the load of

responsibility to the user. The expression “Let the buyer beware” is becoming translated by the

courts to be “Let the user beware” (see Figure 33.4).

The warning sign has a good intention, but the owners of a facility cannot legally relieve them-

selves of the responsibility for providing security by just denying that they have no responsibility.

In order for the building and/or the owner/manager to partially shift the load of responsibility, the

building must clearly state what the expectations or ground rules are (see Figures 33.5 and 33.6).

Figure 33.7 demonstrates a sign asking hotel guests to present their keys to the security ofcer

before getting into the elevators that take guests to their rooms. Guests are expected to carry their

room keys with them or they must go to the front desk to ask for a duplicate key. The symbolic

barrier of the sign puts guests and potential trespassers on notice that they will be challenged and

blocked from unencumbered access. The real barrier is the security guard, who will ask for the

keys and prevent persons from entering the elevators. With hotels being a very public domain, it is

imperative to control access to guest areas in order to prevent trespassing, robbery, prostitution, and

other crime typical of hotels, dorms, housing, and residences.

The red-painted curb and the signage of “re lane” and “no parking” is a threat that car owners

understand and fear. Most drivers will think twice about parking their car in a re lane. The expec-

tation is that a car in a re lane will be ticketed and towed. The implied threat is usually sufcient

to prevent inappropriate parking (see Figure 33.8).

Signs can state the ground rules for what are allowed or forbidden behaviors. Most of the time signage

is taking on the parental role of stating what is not allowed, as seen in Figure 33.9. But it is as important

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Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 835

References ......................................................................................................................................836

820 21st Century Security and CPTED

FIGURE 33.3 Graphics portray the use and users of the bathrooms. No words are needed. The graphics

become universal.

FIGURE 33.1 The entrance sign of Georgetown University is brightly illuminated and conveys the arrival

to the University.

FIGURE 33.2 Will the signage stop people from acting out in the elevator? Time and video will tell.