In a significant boost to public safety, the Karnataka State Police's innovative 'Safe Connect' feature has become a vital lifeline for citizens, receiving approximately 150 emergency calls since its activation in December 2024. This integrated tool within the KSP mobile application allows users to establish an instant, two-way audio-video connection directly with the police command centre, enabling real-time assistance during crises.
How Safe Connect Transforms Emergency Response
The feature's power lies in its immediacy and clarity. When activated, it provides police personnel with a live visual and auditory feed of the caller's situation. This allows for accurate assessment and swift coordination of help. Kuldeep Kumar Jain, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration), emphasized the advantage, stating that the two-way facility gives a clear picture of the location and context, helping police gauge the severity and dispatch patrols effectively. The caller's live location is simultaneously tracked, ensuring that help reaches the scene without delay.
Real-Life Rescues: From Reckless Drivers to Night Walks
The police have documented several instances where Safe Connect proved crucial. In one notable case, a homemaker travelling alone to Kempegowda International Airport used the app to report her cab driver's dangerous driving. The command centre, operating from the city police commissioner's office on Infantry Road, tracked her journey live. Officers directly intervened by speaking to the driver through the app, warning him to slow down. Grateful for her safe arrival, the woman later contacted the command centre to thank the police.
In another scenario demonstrating its utility for personal security, a college student walking home at night activated Safe Connect. The continuous audio-video link provided her with a sense of security and allowed police to monitor her route until she reached her destination safely.
Data Integrity and How to Access the Feature
To ensure accountability and evidentiary support, all calls made through Safe Connect are recorded and stored on secure police servers for a minimum of one year. This archive can be used as crucial evidence if a legal situation arises from an incident.
Using the feature is designed to be simple and fast in moments of distress:
- Open the KSP app and navigate to the home page.
- Go to the ‘Report’ section.
- Select the ‘Safe Connect’ feature on the right side.
- A red button will appear; pressing it initiates an instant audio-video call to the police command centre.
The success of Safe Connect over the past eleven months highlights a forward step in leveraging technology for proactive policing and building public trust in urban centres like Bengaluru. It stands as a model for how digital tools can bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement, providing a tangible layer of security.
