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12 September 2022 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo UFS Photo Gallery
UFS Protection Services
The science of safety reinforces practical and collaborative efforts aimed at creating a secure campus environment.

While we might not have it down to a science just yet, safety is something that the University of the Free State (UFS) is constantly working towards improving. As it stands, various preventative measures exist across our three campuses. They say “Prevention is better than cure” – and that is exactly what the science of safety is all about.

What is the university doing to prevent crime? 

There are a few measures put in place by the Department of Protection Services, as its core mandate involves working around the clock to address the state of safety and security for staff and students. Some of these measures include:
• CCTV cameras monitoring campuses on a 24/7 basis.
• Panic buttons mounted on red poles which are fitted with cameras linked to the Control Room.
• Daily visible vehicle and foot patrols conducted by security personnel. 
• Security infrastructure such as turnstiles and surveillance cameras installed on all residence entrances.
• Security officers deployed around residences at night.
• Closely collaborating with Housing and Residence Affairs to find ways of creating, maintaining, and improving off-campus student safety.
• Investigating Officer on a 24/7 standby who is in direct contact with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Investigation Unit.
• Security and SAPS vehicles deployed at identified hotspots.
• Security patrols by contracted armed response security companies conducted in areas such as Brandwag, Willows, and Universitas in Bloemfontein, and surrounding areas at the Qwaqwa and South Campuses.

Safety is a shared responsibility

“In as much as Protection Services has duties and responsibilities in ensuring the safety of staff and students, the UFS community also needs to support and provide assistance to the department,” said Cobus van Jaarsveld, the department’s Section Head: Threat Detection, Investigations, and Liaison. 

You can play a role in ensuring that the UFS becomes an increasingly safe environment by:

• Immediately reporting any suspicious activity, item, person, or vehicle to the Department of Protection Services. 
• Acting responsibly to minimise your vulnerability to criminal activities.
• Familiarising yourself and complying with the UFS Security Policy, Protest Management Policy, and other security guidelines, standards, procedures, and protocols. 
• Following instructions issued by an authorised person for safety and security reasons.
• Cooperating with investigation processes that are in the interest of justice.
• Treating university property with the utmost care and avoiding exposing it to criminal activities, as well as reporting such activities. 

Creating a safe space for all

From identifying safety needs to tackling security issues head-on, the Department of Protection Services strives to reduce the risk of all kinds of crimes through the science of safety. The department continuously responds to the call to serve and protect in the following ways:

• Identifying and assessing risks and threats that have an impact on the safety and security of the UFS staff, students, and property.
• Enforcing access control.
• Investigating any reported incidents, providing investigation reports, and also issuing early-warning reports.
• Responding to emergencies reported on campuses. 
• Advising UFS management on all aspects of security.
• Initiating programmes and projects to enhance security awareness among UFS staff, students, visitors, and contractors.
• Providing support to students living in off-campus residences through contracted armed response that responds to emergencies and conducts patrols.
• Arranging counselling for victims of crime where necessary.
• Coordinating security services for on-campus events to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Contact Protection Services:
Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 2911 or  +27 51 401 2634
Qwaqwa Campus: + 27 58 718 5460

News Archive

UFS sports scientist joins Cricket SA
2016-05-11

Description: Ross Tucker Tags: Ross Tucker

Prof Ross Tucker South Africa’s premier sports scientist
Photo: Supplied

Considered as South Africa’s premier sports scientist, Professor Ross Tucker has been appointed to be part of an official panel of experts to assess the performance of Cricket South Africa (CSA). Tucker is a Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Free State (UFS) School of Medicine. On joining the UFS, his plan was to help place the University onto the global map, and to become a leading voice in the sports science landscape. His involvement in sports around the world is fulfilling his vision.

(Professor Ross Tucker from @UFSweb has been appointed to be part of an official panel of experts to assess the performance of @officialCSA) - Tweet.


Having an enviable reputation in the world of sport worldwide, he was named in the Mail and Guardian’s list of Top 200 Influential Young South Africans, and by the Minister of Sport as one of the 100 Influential people in South African Sport in 2013.

The official panel, commissioned by CSA, is to review the performances of elite Cricket teams - primarily the Proteas, but also the U/19 and women’s teams - with the aim of addressing the challenges encountered by the teams. Alongside other members, including former Protea player, Adam Bacher, and world-class rugby player and 1995 national captain, Francois Pienaar, Prof Tucker is to evaluate what has worked and what hasn’t, in order to make recommendations, and guide strategies and tactics that will yield some World Cup successes.

 

On his vision for Cricket South Africa, Prof Tucker said he sees the opportunity as a chance to drive an elite, high-profile agenda, and set an example for all sports to follow. “We want to improve South African cricket, helping to chart a course for winning the next World Cup and dominating the world”, he said.

 

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