About Security Services 

The University of Pretoria is one of the largest residential universities in South Africa. Its Department of Security Services places a high premium on the safety and security of students, staff and property on all UP campuses.

The Department of Security Services is fully committed to maintaining a safe environment that allows students to study and participate in sport, cultural and social activities with peace of mind. Existing security measures are constantly monitored and reviewed while new, innovative measures are implemented to improve the safety and security of all students and personnel.

The mission of the University of Pretoria’s Department of Security Services is: to see more than others see, to see further than others see and to see first before others see.

Due to the high incidence of crime in South Africa, the Department of Security Services collaborates with the South African Police Service (SAPS), City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and the Brooklyn SAPS Security Forum with all security companies in the Brooklyn SAPS jurisdiction, in order to promote a safe environment – even outside the boundaries of the University’s campuses.

The Department of Security Services has a sophisticated 24-hour Operational Management Centre that is equipped with the latest technology, enabling personnel to deliver a highly professional service.

The Department utilises the following sophisticated infrastructure to ensure the safety of all:

•  Access control to University campuses at 79 boom gates, 74 vehicle gates, 140 turnstiles, 607 access control doors, 64 security booths and 35 digi-codes, while 967 controllers drive all electronic points of access control. Seventy-eight computers (external stations and main servers), closed circuit televisions with 95 digital video recorders with a capacity of 1 520 cameras (at a current tally of 1 166) contribute to access control.
• An extensive alarm system, including 187 external workstations, with communication through telephone, network or iBurst; 5 832 alarm points (data projector, intruder detection, video, panic and lift alarms); and 69 fire panels and emergency evacuation systems on all campuses (heat/smoke detectors and emergency break-glass units).

The Department provides security services at special events and student activities in accordance with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, Act 2 of 2010 – for example during TuksRag, Spring Day, Intervarsity, UP Welcoming Day and Open Day functions, as well as visits by important guests. The Department arranges traffic and access control, and implements security measures in this regard.

The Representative Student Council annually expresses its appreciation for the work done by the Department of Security Services.  The Department received a merit award from the Brooklyn South African Police Service (SAPS) in recognition of the exceptional partnership that exists between UP and the Brooklyn SAPS in the continued fight against crime in the Brooklyn precinct.

On the Hatfield Campus, the University of Pretoria’s Department of Security Services engages with the national Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Correctional Services, the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and local businesses to promote the social upliftment of the Hatfield area in general.

Measures put in place as part of the City Improvement District (CID) Programme include additional street lighting, extra parking and closed-circuit monitoring cameras. The Hatfield Community Court, launched in 2004, plays a critical role in preventing petty crime and drug- and alcohol-related crime.

Toll-free crisis number: 24-hour support for students

The Department of Security Services maintains the University’s 24-hour toll-free crisis line. All notifications are treated in strict confidentiality and students receive professional support. The services of a large network of professional practitioners and support personnel are available. Students are referred to specialists for assistance, counselling and after-care. Students can report crime on a 24-hour basis to the Department of Security Services

Safety tips

·         Avoid isolated areas if you are alone.

·         Be vigilant of suspicious persons loitering in the immediate vicinity.

·         Report all crime – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to the nearest police station or the Department of Security Services.

·         Pay special attention to your surroundings.

·         Take collective responsibility for your personal safety and your property.

Safety on campuses – Green Foot Routes

It is important to the University that students and personnel are safe on its campuses, hence the launch of the Green Route Project. Security officials escort students on foot to their vehicles or residences between 18:00 and 06:00, seven days a week. Green routes are clearly visible on all campuses for easy recognition and use.

24-hour UP Crisis Service (toll-free): 0800 00 64 28

24-hour UP Operational Manager: 083 654 0476

24-hour UP Operational Centre: 012 420 2310/2760

The Department of Security Services remains dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all UP students and staff.