Harris defines CPTEM as a post-construction management focus.

It is a place management initiative which maintains embedded (security) design and monitors developing crime risk to sustain a safe (secure) built form environment. CPTEM is needed to project an ongoing ‘welcoming and safe place’.

CPTEM therefore seeks to build on the crime prevention outcomes delivered during the architectural design of properties by acknowledging facilities are dynamic and change characteristics. These changes typically create new security risk vulnerabilities that need to be identified, monitored, assessed, mitigated and managed.