BIO

Paul van Soomeren (DSP-groep, DISSS, ICA and CEN)

Paul is founder of DSP-groep, a research- and consultancybureau in Amsterdam. He works also with the Dutch Institute for Safe and Secure Spaces (DISSS) and he is Director of the Board of the International CPTED Association (ICA) and chair of the CEN working group making European Standards on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED, see e.g. standards like CEN/EN 14383-1 and CEN/TS 14383-2:2022).

The CPTED approach focusses on local/regional governance of urban planning and design for safe and secure cities. This includes technical/physical measures combined with social approaches for preventing crime (from arson and burglary to violence and terrorism), incivilities and feelings of insecurity. Sustainability and the virtual domain (AI) are rather recent challenges in the CPTED-world. European and worldwide standards, as well as a worldwide organization with national chapters (like the ICA), are an important foundation for this approach, since worldwide approaches and lessons always have to be tailored to – and implemented in – a local context.