Photo by Jessica De Vera
The new “Bodyguard” phone app allows users to live stream an emergency attack and send the footage and their location straight to the police.
Activated using touch screen or unplugging one’s headphones, the app aims to improve the efficiency and immediacy of the triple zero service.
“The big issue with triple zero is that there’s no time to get one’s phone out, call triple zero and explain where you are and what’s happening. With Bodyguard, the police are notified quickly and are already on their way,” says Trav Heaven, Media Director for Bodyguard.
Bodyguard works with a 24/7 verified security management operations centre in Melbourne which monitors emergency calls. Using a code, operators are able to declare emergencies for individuals without having to explain who they are to triple zero.
The Bodyguard team have regularly consulted Victoria Police throughout the process of the app’s creation.
Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Dave Alley says that the police’s main concerns would be “combatting accidental activations” of the app and differing laws surrounding filming criminal offences across Australia.
“Bodyguard’s accessibility to older generations who aren’t tech savvy might also be an issue,” says Senior Constable Alley.
On reducing false alarms, Media Director Heaven says that all emergencies go through the operations centre and are checked before they are sent to the police.
“The big issue with triple zero is that there’s no time to get one’s phone out, call triple zero and explain where you are and what’s happening."
The app may also improve the outcomes of sexual assault and domestic violence court cases.
“If the police have footage of the crime happening…it’s going to make their job a lot easier in convicting perpetrators…of domestic and sexual violence,” says Heaven.
Leon Harris, principal consultant for Harris Crime Prevention Services says this technology is “extremely helpful in providing a streamlined service for victims in an emergency”.
Harris also says that the app could assist in reporting armed robberies more quickly and from a safe distance using the live stream and geo-location tools.
Bodyguard is currently available Australia-wide and is being implemented by schools, businesses and government departments.
