Swat police launches SOS alert service
App introduced by K-P police in December after the Army Public School carnage
App introduced by K-P police in December after the Army Public School carnage. PHOTO: ONLINE
MINGORA:
An Android-based SOS Alert Service introduced by the provincial police in December was launched on Friday in Swat to protect educational institutes.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Mingora police station, Swat DPO Sher Akbar Khan informed civil society members, primary school teachers and administrators, and journalists about the new service.
According to Khan, the application can only be installed in one mobile phone at each institute.
“This could be the mobile of either the head of the institute or any other responsible official,” he said. “All they will need to do is fill out a compulsory form and submit it to the DPO’s office.”
Once the app has been installed, educational institutes will be able to inform the police about any terrorist attack on their premises.
“A simple click will generate an automated message which will be sent to at least 10 police recipients,” Khan said. “This includes the Provincial Control Room, District Wireless Control Room, SSP Operations, SDPO and SHO.” Police will arrive on the site within five minutes to deal with any eventuality, the DPO added.
According to Khan, the system is quite effective, adding security, hospital, rapid response services will also be notified once an alert has been received.
“Providing security to schools, colleges and university is a collective issue,” said the DPO. “Civil society and law-enforcement agencies need to work together to protect our children.”
Rules of engagement
The app does not require internet service and runs efficiently on just a mobile network.
Speaking about the new service, Rashid Iqbal, in charge for mobile tracking techniques in Malakand Division, insisted that the app should be taken seriously. “One click can ensure the security of children in the province,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2015.
An Android-based SOS Alert Service introduced by the provincial police in December was launched on Friday in Swat to protect educational institutes.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Mingora police station, Swat DPO Sher Akbar Khan informed civil society members, primary school teachers and administrators, and journalists about the new service.
According to Khan, the application can only be installed in one mobile phone at each institute.
“This could be the mobile of either the head of the institute or any other responsible official,” he said. “All they will need to do is fill out a compulsory form and submit it to the DPO’s office.”
Once the app has been installed, educational institutes will be able to inform the police about any terrorist attack on their premises.
“A simple click will generate an automated message which will be sent to at least 10 police recipients,” Khan said. “This includes the Provincial Control Room, District Wireless Control Room, SSP Operations, SDPO and SHO.” Police will arrive on the site within five minutes to deal with any eventuality, the DPO added.
According to Khan, the system is quite effective, adding security, hospital, rapid response services will also be notified once an alert has been received.
“Providing security to schools, colleges and university is a collective issue,” said the DPO. “Civil society and law-enforcement agencies need to work together to protect our children.”
Rules of engagement
The app does not require internet service and runs efficiently on just a mobile network.
Speaking about the new service, Rashid Iqbal, in charge for mobile tracking techniques in Malakand Division, insisted that the app should be taken seriously. “One click can ensure the security of children in the province,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2015.