Glare negatively effects security. Lights can make us feel more secure. The task is to be more secure not to just feel more secure. Two factors are key in using lights to increase the feeling of security and in not actually reducing security. First, shield or position lights to minimize glare. Second, reduce the amount of light to minimize the contrast between the lit and unlit areas.
Keep in mind that criminals need light too. Lighting can facilitate criminal activity by drawing attention to a property and permitting easy access. Criminals can hide when obscured by glare projecting into the eyes of neighbors or passersby. Also consider the fact that most crime takes place during daylight hours.
Almost everyone will tell you that lights prevent crime. It's not true. Professional studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and others show that light does not deter crime.
Security issues are best addressed with measures other than lighting. To include lights as part of a security plan, the most effective means is to provide a sudden change to the surrounding enviroment with sensor governed lighting that turns on when someone approaches the area.
Security
Photos courtesy Das.
To prevent a reduction in visibility, even these sensor governed lights should use a minimal amount of light, be shielded and installed so that they neither produce glare nor a severe difference between the illuminated area and it’s adjacent area.
Vandalism, loitering, graffiti and burglary can be the by-products of lit areas. Clark County, Washington schools, as well as numerous school districts in California have reduced vandalism to almost zero with a policy to darken the school property when it’s not in use at night.
Unshielded or improperly aimed security lighting can actually reduce security by producing glare and uneven illumination which conceals persons with criminal intent. Any glare created by these so-called security lights will limit the ability for anyone to see onto the site. Look at the pictures at the bottom of the page for an example of this situation.
Glare and too much light seriously affect safety and security. Why should it be tolerated?
Shielding the bulb and other luminous elements of a fixture from your eyes allow the light to do its job instead of blinding onlookers. This bulb could be replaced with one of smaller wattage based on the dark shadow produced above the fixture. Using lower wattages lets you see better in the lit and unlit areas and saves money - a plus for any business or home.
People and items are hidden when a floodlight is aimed so that light strikes your eye.
People and items are visible when a floodlight is aimed at the ground.
Effective Outdoor Lighting
Don't just feel secure!
Be secure!
- Eliminate glare.
- Reduce the light.
- Only lite an area
when a person will be there.
