“We place a high premium on safety and proactively invest in the continuous upgrading of safety facilities, equipment and services. We want parents to know that we are doing our utmost to create an environment where their children can study and participate in cultural and sport events without fearing for their personal safety, ” says Colin Fouché, Director of the Department of Security Services at UP.

The new Operational Management Centre comprises a client reception room, manager’s office and a technological operations room from where highly-trained and competent staff can monitor more than 500 CCTV cameras surveying activities on UP campuses and residences. The centre will be fully functional 24 hours around the clock, throughout the year.

Fouché said the new centre centralises all safety and security activities and enhances this department’s vision: To see more than others see, to see further than others see, and to see first before others see.

Students can report crime to the Department of Security Services at any time of day or night. Interlinked is a 24-hour special crisis centre with a toll-free number providing students with access to the services of a wide range of professionals for confidential help, counselling and aftercare.

The Department of Security Services performs a wide range of activities, including crime investigations, access control, VIP protection, traffic control and parking. It also supports students who have transgressed the law through the entire process of
making statements, court appearances and with evidence in court.

“We assume a nurturing and mentoring role towards the student community by getting transgressors into community service rather than receiving a criminal record,”
Fouché concluded.