Safety & Security at the CSIR: Growing the Impact

Abstract

This paper reviews Safety and Security in the CSIR since the initiative was started towards the end of 1996. Motivated by the reality of high levels of crime and violence, the CSIR vision is to be a national centre of competence for integrative thinking, knowledge generation, skills development and innovation in safety and security – with impact on South Africa's safety, growth and quality of life. While supporting efforts to improve security, the ultimate vision is to contribute to the achievement of a safe South Africa – thus focusing on both reactive and proactive interventions. Innovation successes include the local crime prevention toolkit, cyber forensics, technology partnerships, crime prevention models, cash-intransit innovations and strategies for a safe South Africa. The CSIR is ready for the next level of national impact – as explained in a number of proposals and current initiatives based on the notion of much better national coordination of research and interventions in safety and security