Vinod M Jain
The Bengaluru Safe City Project’s Safe Connect feature—integrated into the existing KSP App—is proving to be a crucial lifeline for citizens,particularly cab commuters and individuals facing emergencies.
Since its launch on December 31,2024,the Command-and-Control Center has handled nearly 150 distress calls,ensuring rapid police intervention and enhanced public safety.
In one incident,a woman travelling in a cab used the video call option on the Safe Connect feature after feeling unsafe due to the driver’s erratic driving.
Police were able to track her live location in real time and quickly dispatch help,ensuring her safety.
In another case,a college student walking home late at night used the feature to initiate a video call during a confrontation.The police reached the spot promptly and diffused the situation before it escalated.
The app has also aided in crowd safety.A group of friends attending a public event used Safe Connect to report suspicious activity.By sharing live video and location, they helped police apprehend a person suspected of criminal intent.
Officials said that the Safe Connect platform has gained significant traction, with 2.3 million active users across the city.
Citizens are increasingly relying on the app not only to report incidents and request help but also to share real-time updates,leading to quicker response times.
The feature enables two-way audio and video communication, allowing users to report emergencies with ease.
Even in situations where a caller cannot speak,the app’s interface allows communication through gestures during video calls,ensuring that operators can still understand the distress signals.
The 24/7 Command-and-Control Center is equipped to respond instantly to calls, track live locations, and mobilize emergency teams.Strong cybersecurity measures are in place to ensure the privacy and security of user data.
Police personnel operating the system undergo specialised training to handle live video interactions professionally and empathetically.
Continuous upgrades to the platform are being carried out to meet growing demand and further enhance user experience.
Authorities said the Safe Connect feature is revolutionising the way citizens interact with law enforcement, offering immediate access to help at the touch of a button.
