Safety Islands In Bengaluru: 35 SOS Alerts Sent So Far, How Do They Work?

Bengaluru police have recently introduced nearly 30 'Safety Island' devices throughout the city to assist individuals in distress. These devices are strategically placed in high-risk areas such as Hebbal, Electronics City, Yeshwantpur, V.V. Puram, and other locations vulnerable to crime.

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

The Safety Islands, equipped with emergency call buttons linked to the Bengaluru Safe City Command Centre, were established as part of the Bengaluru Safe City project.

What Are Safety Island Devices?

Safety Islands are blue, telephone booth-like structures installed at various junctions across Bengaluru. They provide an alternative means for individuals to contact the police when they are unable to use their mobile phones. Each Safety Island is monitored by nearby CCTV cameras, which provide real-time updates to the police about the person in distress.

How to Use Safety Island Devices

To use a Safety Island, individuals should approach the device and press the SOS button. This action connects them directly to the nearest control room, where police staff will respond promptly based on the situation. The design ensures that people can reach out for help even when their mobile phones are inaccessible.

In addition to the city's emergency toll-free number 112, these Safety Islands offer an extra layer of public safety. However, reports indicate that the Bengaluru police have yet to receive any distress calls through these devices since their installation.