Violence-torn Venezuela creates phone 'panic button'

[Judi Lynn]

Violence-torn Venezuela creates phone 'panic button'
Published: 19 Jan 2014 at 04.49
Online news: Computer

A free app for certain smartphones that works as a "panic button" in emergencies has launched in Venezuela, one of the world's most violent countries, a lawmaker said Saturday.

The "pocket police" app "allows people to notify their families in real-time of emergencies, without collapsing the Venezuelan security system," explained Ricardo Sanchez, a member of the National Assembly's Domestic Policy Committee.

"You can add up to three contacts, with emails and phone numbers, who will receive the message with your geo-referenced location in case of an emergency," he said.

According to the lawmaker, sending the message -- a text or email -- just requires touching a button on screen.

It could also help police in kidnapping and murder cases, he said, since the information "can help provide details on the last location of the person."

More:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/computer/390325/

[bemildred]

1. That seems like a good idea.

Like videotaping all police interactions.

[Socialistlemur]

2. Maybe some day they will have 911 and police to react

I guess this will be useful for the upper class and chavista boligarchs with fancy smart phones.

Poor venezuelans dont have smartphones or the connectivity to download apps.

It would be better if the had a decent 911 system with police able to respond. They have billions to buy Russian weapons they will never use, more billions for endless giveaways to the Cuban dictatorship and all sorts of inefficient schemes...but in 15 years in power getting huge amount of petrodollars they haven't had the drive to install a working 911 system, hire more cops, give employment to young men in the barrio, or just about any other sensible idea.

[Bacchus4.0]

3. good idea from a tech perspective but scary its even needed n/t