The lighting allowed students to spot potential trouble before it confronted them, so they could take appropriate avoidance measures. The new lighting also permitted security patrols to better view potential problem areas, allowing them to react more quickly. As a result, the college was able to reduce security patrols without compromising security in any way. Based on energy savings alone, payback would not have occurred for more than 20 years. This means that the project might not have been implemented at all, or that the 150 watt high-pressure sodium lamps would have been chosen, saving energy, but having precious little impact on security and security cost savings.
Lighting is by far the most visible form of security available.
Lighting used for security purposes can also have other important benefits. At Bryant, the security problem was an outdoor parking lot, a location problematic for many schools across the nation. The lot in question was used principally by night students and faculty. Students reported that they were afraid for their personal safety and personal belongings being taken from their cars. The new lighting Bryant installed virtually eliminated the problem.