From recovering lost baggage to saving lives, 34 SOS alerts sent through safety islands of Bengaluru police 

Bengaluru Safe City project enhances public safety with emergency call buttons, aiding in swift police response to incidents.

There was an accident involving a car and a food delivery person’s vehicle on July 16 on 80-Feet Road in Ashwathnagar around 2.30 a.m. Around four to five bystanders immediately assembled, and someone dialled 112 as the delivery person was seriously injured. In the meantime, they also realised that the Bengaluru City Police’s safety island was right there, and immediately pressed the button. 

“The command centre dispatched a Hoysala car and an ambulance to the spot. Before the ambulance could reach, the police reached the spot and transported the victim to the hospital,” said a staff member working at the command centre.  

This is one of the many instances where the safety islands, which were set up in 2023, have been of help. Safety islands with emergency call buttons connected to the Bengaluru Safe City Command Centre were set up under the Bengaluru Safe City project. These were installed in spots vulnerable to crime at Hebbal, Electronics City, Yeshwantpur, V.V. Puram, and other areas. 

“On April 7, on the same 80 Feet Road, passers-by noticed a person trying to end their life. They quickly pressed the SOS button, and the Hoysala police soon reached there. They spoke to the individual, and brought the person to the police station and then arranged for counselling,” said a staff member. 

From June 2023 to July 2024, the command centre received 35 actionable alerts and 2,500 prank alerts from the safety islands.

“This is a first-of-its kind initiative in Bengaluru. While our motive is to provide emergency service to people, some also misuse the facility,” said Kshama Mishra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), command centre. 

The actionable alerts are usually related to theft, accidents, narcotics, and conflicts. “Most people dial 112 on their phones, but those who lose their phones use the safety islands. We have got a few cases of mobile theft through these alerts,” the staff member said.