The University of Pretoria is actively involved in various initiatives in the Hatfield-Brooklyn area aimed at creating a safe environment for the community and also promoting the social upliftment of the Hatfield area. Some of those initiatives are the Hatfield Community Court and the Hatfield’s City Improvement District. The University is contributing various resources to these initiatives ranging from funding, manpower, facilities and sharing of information.

The above initiatives are carried out in collaboration with the Department of Justice, the Department of Correctional Services, the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, the South African Police Services and the local businesses.

The Hatfield Community Court was launched in 2004 and plays a role in preventing petty crime and drug abuse.

Since the University’s buildings are not located in one place, it also means that the University’s Department of Security Services is even involved in crime prevention (through patrols, monitoring, etc) outside the main boundaries of its campuses.

According to the Director of the Security Services, Mr Colin Fouché, his Department is fully committed to maintaining a safe environment that allows students to study with peace of mind and to participate in the University’s facilities in a safe environment.

“Safety and security of students, the lifeblood of the University of Pretoria, are the first priority of the Department of Safety and Security of the University of Pretoria,” he said.

Mr Fouché added that existing safety and security measures are constantly monitored and reviewed and that new, innovative measures are implemented to improve the safety and security situation on all campuses, residence and surrounding environment.

Amongst the measures that were put in place, as part of the Hatfield’s City Improvement District Programme, were additional street lighting, extra parking and closed circuit monitoring cameras at the women’s residences.

Earlier this week, police services across the world celebrated the International Police Day. National Police Day in South Africa has been declared to signify the date and anniversary of the establishment of the SAPS, to give recognition to the service rendered by members of the SAPS and to honour those who have paid with their lives to protect and serve all the people in South Africa.

Director Frank Mthombeni, station commander of the Brooklyn Police Station, was quoted in the media urging communities to assist police in fighting crime.

“Those in blue uniform won’t win the fight against crime without the support from the community,” he said.

To reiterate its partnership with the neighbouring community and related structures, last year the University of Pretoria presented an award to Detective Inspector JJT Erasmus of the SAPS Brooklyn. The award is called the Security Services’ Partner/Supporter of the Year. It is awarded to individuals who have excelled in their capacity as outside entities in helping to maintain the safe working and study environment in and around the University of Pretoria.

“Detective Inspector Erasmus’ tenacity, dependability and loyalty towards his work at the Brooklyn police station is truly commendable and worthy of this honour bestowed on him,” said Mr Colin Fouché – Director of Security Services at the University of Pretoria.