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29 April 2024 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Supplied
Protection Services Crime and Incident Investigation Proceedure
The UFS Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure is committed to maintaining campus safety.

In alignment to its strategic Vision 130 of fostering a safe and secure environment for all staff and students, the University of the Free State (UFS) introduced a robust Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure. This initiative underscores the institution's commitment to upholding its values of integrity, accountability, and excellence, while ensuring the well-being of its diverse community.

Jacobus van Jaarsveld, Deputy Director at Protection Services, highlighted the importance of this procedural framework, stating: “Our aim is to establish a culture of safety and accountability within the university community. By implementing this procedure, we are reaffirming our dedication to prompt and thorough investigations of all reported incidents.”

Comprehensive coverage and scope

The Procedure encompasses all UFS students, staff members, visitors, contractors, and service providers across multiple campuses and satellite sites. It addresses incidents occurring both on-campus and off-campus if they affect the university’s reputation or assets.

Ethical and professional investigations

All investigations are conducted with professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is upheld, respecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals involved.

Students, staff members, and other stakeholders are obligated to familiarise themselves with the Procedure, promptly report incidents, cooperate with investigators, and comply with university policies and codes of conduct.

Inclusive and collaborative approach

The Procedure emphasises the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that investigative processes accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. It also highlights the establishment of interdepartmental service level agreements to facilitate collaboration and information-sharing among relevant departments.

Continuous improvement and monitoring

The UFS will monitor reported incidents through regular updates and crime overviews. Additionally, ongoing evaluation and refinement of the Procedure will be based on crime statistics, security risk assessments, and best practices in investigative management.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure represents a significant step forward in the UFS’s ongoing efforts to create a safe, supportive, and conducive environment for learning, teaching, and research. Through proactive measures and steadfast adherence to principles of integrity and accountability, the university reaffirms its commitment to excellence in all aspects of university life.

Report crime

Bloemfontein Campus Protection Services: +27 51 401 2911 or +27 51 401 2634
South Campus Protection Services: +27 51 505 1217 
Qwaqwa Campus Protection Services: +27 58 718 5460 or +27 58 718 5175

Click here to download the Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure booklet and watch the video below.

News Archive

UFS Psychologist honoured for lifelong contribution
2015-12-09

Prof Dap Louw, distinguished professor and forensic psychologist from the University of the Free State, receives a Lifelong Achievers Award from the University of Johannesburg. From left is: Prof Theo Veldsman, head of the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management at UJ, prof Louw, prof Deon de Bruin, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management at UJ, and prof Daneel van Lill, dean at Faculty of Management at UJ.
Photo: Jan Potgieter, UJ

 

It is always good to be honoured by your own university, but it is even more special to be honoured by another university, according to Prof Dap Louw, distinguished professor and forensic psychologist from the University of the Free State (UFS), on an award he received from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

On 5 November 2015, Prof Louw received the prestigious Lifelong Achievers Award from the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management at UJ in recognition of the major contribution he has made during his career in psychology. He was one of two recipients of the award during this year’s UJ Top Achievers Awards Ceremony.

Prof Louw had great appreciation for his students and colleagues at the UFS, without who he would have been “without arms”.

Worthy legacy

The Lifelong Achievers Award is presented to retired academics that have, over their careers, consistently made significant contributions to their field, nationally and/or internationally, and have left behind a worthy legacy.

According to the description for the award, the recipient has left behind a legacy in his or her specific field which is gratefully acknowledged by all past, present and upcoming professional colleagues, students, clients and other stakeholders.

This description concludes with: “We are a better science and profession because of you”.

Career full of highlights

Prof Louw is the author or co-author of over 100 articles in accredited national and international journals, and he is an accredited NRF researcher.

He is the principal author and editor of several textbooks currently prescribed by 12 universities in South and Southern Africa. It is estimated that, over the years, more than 100 000 students have received their training via textbooks he has written with his wife, Prof Anet Louw.

Prof Louw holds a master’s and doctoral degree in Criminology, and a master’s and doctoral degree in Psychology. He is the only person in South Africa with these qualifications.
During his career as forensic psychologist, Prof Louw has testified in many familiar criminal cases in South Africa and Namibia.

The Academy of Science of South Africa presented him with the Stals Award for Psychology and he was honoured by The National Honor Society in Psychology in the USA as well.

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