The NSW Government is launching a groundbreaking platform statewide, called BluLink, that gives police instant access to unfolding emergencies.
BluLink allows Triple Zero callers to share video, GPS coordinates and other information to help police assess and respond to emergency situations faster and more effectively than ever before.
When a member of the public calls Triple Zero, depending on the situation, the police dispatcher may send a BluLink request to the caller's phone, or the phone of the person in need of assistance
By clicking that link, they can share vital information with police dispatchers.
Capabilities include instant GPS coordinates to pinpoint the exact location of a caller, livestream footage of an unfolding emergency and capabilities to upload digital media to help police to triage an incident and collect evidence.
A text message tool can be used in situations where voice calls are challenging and translates into 150 languages.
Police can also gather witness statements and send messages and digital victim cards via the platform.
A 12-month trial has been conducted across select Metropolitan and Regional areas which saw:
- More than 8,300 locations obtained;
- More than 100 High Risk Missing Person locations obtained;
- The locations of more than 62 missing bushwalkers obtained;
- More than 700 videos live streamed;
- More than 8,000 digital media files uploaded;
- More than 78,000 Digital Victims Cards sent;
- More than 1,500 chat messages initiated.
BluLink is the first step in the NSW Police Force's Digital Policing Roadmap that will deliver new, cutting-edge technology capabilities to help officers to fight crime and keep the community safe.
It is powered by GoodSAM technology which is already used by emergency services in Australia and the UK.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"BluLink further strengthens the capability of our police and emergency dispatchers by giving them instant, real-time access to unfolding emergencies.
"Police rely on members of the community to accurately describe an incident so they know what they're dealing with and what they need to respond; BluLink gives them unrivalled access to a scene before they're even arrived.
"On average, police receive more than 1,500 emergency calls for assistance every day; this technology will help triage and respond to incidents more effectively than ever before."
Commander of Technology and Communication Services Command, Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney, said:
"We know that members of the community are our eyes and ears and BluLink is an innovative way in which further information can be provided to us during a Triple Zero call which assists us in enhancing our policing response.
"BluLink is expected to better assist the public and save time and resources across every police command for both front line and specialist areas.
"You never know when you might be in an emergency, or need to call Triple Zero (000), and BluLink could help if something were to happen."
