CPTED in Action: Designing A Strategic Campus Security Index For Safer Universities

HRMARS - Campus security issues in higher educational institutions are becoming more critical due to escalating threats and the absence of standardised, theory-based assessment tools. In Malaysia, this gap limits the systematic evaluation of campus safety. This study aims to develop a campus security index grounded in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and tailored to Malaysian public universities. Using a qualitative approach, focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with academic staff, non-academic staff, and student representatives. Thematic analysis identified key indicators reflecting physical security conditions and safety perceptions, which were mapped onto the five CPTED domains. Expert reviews further validated the index and ensured structural consistency. The resulting tool offers a practical framework for benchmarking and enhancing campus security. The study contributes by providing a structured, context-specific, and empirically informed index, with recommendations for future quantitative validation and broader institutional application.