Threat Reduction and Infrastructure Protection

At the 4th Annual US CPTED Association Conference, Gregg Pingitore and Jonathan Sudsky of the New York City Police Department Counterterrorism Division delivered a powerful presentation on Threat Reduction and Infrastructure Protection.

Drawing from their work in one of the most complex and high profile urban environments in the world, the presenters discussed how modern counterterrorism strategies intersect with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Their session highlighted how layered security strategies, thoughtful design, and coordinated planning can reduce risk while still maintaining accessible public spaces.

Using real examples from New York City, the presentation explored how protective design elements such as bollards, barriers, landscape features, and site planning can be integrated into the environment without creating a fortress like appearance. Instead, the goal is to blend form and function so that security measures enhance public spaces rather than detract from them.

The presenters also discussed the evolving threat landscape and how cities must adapt their infrastructure and public space design to address risks such as vehicle attacks and other emerging threats. By applying CPTED principles alongside traditional security strategies, agencies can strengthen resilience and better protect the places where people gather, travel, and work.

Presentations like this highlight how CPTED continues to evolve beyond traditional crime prevention and into the broader field of infrastructure protection and public safety planning.

The full presentation from this session is available to US CPTED Association members.

If you are interested in accessing this presentation and others coming soon from the conference, we invite you to learn more about becoming a member of the US CPTED Association.