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The New South Wales government has introduced an innovative platform named BluLink, designed to enhance police response to emergencies across the state by providing them with real-time access to critical information. This platform represents a significant advancement in emergency management, allowing for a more immediate and effective police response to unfolding situations.
BluLink integrates advanced technology into the emergency services framework, enabling Triple Zero callers to share essential data directly with police. This includes live video feeds, GPS coordinates, and other relevant information that can be crucial for assessing and responding to emergencies. The platform is designed to streamline communication between the public and law enforcement, facilitating faster decision-making and response times.
When a Triple Zero call is placed, the police dispatcher has the option to send a BluLink request to the caller’s phone or the phone of the person requiring assistance. This request provides a link that, when clicked, enables the caller to transmit vital information directly to police dispatchers. The technology is particularly useful in situations where the caller’s location is unclear or where visual confirmation of the scene is necessary.
One of BluLink’s key features is its ability to instantly transmit GPS coordinates, allowing police to accurately pinpoint the caller’s location. This capability is particularly beneficial in scenarios involving missing persons or lost bushwalkers, where rapid location identification can be critical. Additionally, BluLink supports live video streaming, giving police real-time visual access to the emergency as it unfolds. This feature enables dispatchers and responding officers to better understand the situation and prepare accordingly before arriving on the scene.
The platform also includes functionality for uploading digital media, which can be used by police to triage incidents and gather evidence. This feature ensures that police can collect and analyse crucial information even before they arrive at the scene, potentially speeding up investigations and improving the chances of a successful resolution.
BluLink is equipped with a text messaging tool that can be utilised in situations where voice communication is challenging. This tool is especially valuable in scenarios where speaking is not possible or could escalate the situation. The text messaging feature supports translation into 150 languages, ensuring that non-English speakers can effectively communicate with emergency services.
Moreover, BluLink facilitates the gathering of witness statements, allowing police to quickly and efficiently collect testimony from individuals who may have valuable information. The platform also enables police to send messages and digital victim cards, streamlining communication and ensuring that all necessary information is conveyed in a timely manner.
The platform’s effectiveness was demonstrated during a 12-month trial conducted across select metropolitan and regional areas. During this trial, BluLink was used to obtain over 8,300 locations, including more than 100 high-risk missing person locations and the locations of over 62 missing bushwalkers. Additionally, more than 700 videos were live-streamed, over 8,000 digital media files were uploaded, and more than 78,000 digital victim cards were sent. The platform also facilitated the initiation of over 1,500 chat messages, highlighting its potential to revolutionise emergency response operations.
BluLink is a pivotal component of the NSW Police Force’s Digital Policing Roadmap, a broader initiative aimed at integrating cutting-edge technology into policing to enhance crime-fighting capabilities and improve community safety. The platform leverages GoodSAM technology, which is already employed by emergency services in Australia and the UK, to deliver these advanced capabilities.
