SILIZIWE MABUYA
With the motto “To see more than what others see, to see further than what others see, to see first before others” you should feel either safe or scared. The Department of Security Services has its eye on you.
Perdeby was given the opportunity to get an in-depth look at what happens behind the scenes to keep the University of Pretoria safe for its students and staff. Director of Security Services Colin Fouché and his staff members use advanced technology and procedures with 96 digital video recorders and 1180 CCTV cameras. They also have various electronic alarm systems, fire detection with evacuation panels and centralised access control systems.
When asked what the biggest obstacle to achieving their goal of a safe environment was, Fouché expressed the importance of collective responsibility, as most of the crimes reported were due to negligence such as unlocked doors, open windows and items left unattended. Last year alone, there were 77 arrests made due to theft. Most of these cases could have been avoided if students had been vigilant with their belongings.
In the past few months, many cell phones and laptops have been reported missing on campus due to a lack of personal responsibility. Fouché believes in the prevention of all crimes with the standpoint that “If you can predict it, you can prevent it.”
A few ways to prevent crime are to avoid isolated areas, report suspicious behaviour, be vigilant at all times and report any crime regardless of how insignificant it may seem.
The Green Foot Route initiative was launched so that students and personnel can feel safe on campus by offering them a security escort to their cars or residences between 18:00 and 06:00, seven days a week on all the campuses. A student that needs this service can wait by a Green Foot Route marker or call the Crisis Services number and an escort will accompany them to their destination. Fouché said that all the registered security officials have been duly trained and are of the highest integrity.
Another initiative is the Hatfield City Improvement District in which the security services members co-operate closely with the South African Police Services, the Metro Police, the traffic and emergency services as well as the Tshwane Metro Council. This initiative has a zero-tolerance attitude towards crime. The co-operation of all these groups has been described by Fouché as a “pocket of justice excellence”.
The Department of Security Services offers a 24-hour operational management centre, reaction vehicles, alarm monitoring and crime investigations. Additionally, they work with Student Support to help victims of crime that need trauma counselling.
Fouché maintains that the department is a caring and helping body and has the best interests of the student community at heart. He encourages any contributions or suggestions that can assist in ensuring a safe and secure study environment for all.
Crisis Services: 0800 0064 28 (toll-free)
UP 24-Hour operational manager: 083 654 0476
UP 24-Hour Operational Management Centre: 012 420 2310 or 012 420 2760
Photo: Hendro van der Merwe
