+SOS phone app for Singaporeans in Johor

+SOS phone app for Singaporeans in Johor

Hit a panic button on your phone and a police officer will respond in under 15 minutes.

That was the vow made by Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Aziz Ahmad on Sunday to Singaporeans who use a smartphone application launched by the Johor police in February.

Called Community Alerts, it lets users in Johor send SOS alerts to a 24-hour operations room or report witnessing a crime. It can direct them to the nearest SOS station and has a built-in directory of emergency numbers.

It is available for iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices.

Replying to a member of the public, ACP Abdul Aziz said the app sends reports directly to headquarters, so officers on the ground can no longer "close one eye".

After responding to an alert, officers must enter in a log on a computerised system that action has been taken.

ACP Abdul Aziz said the app has enjoyed "very good success rates" since its launch.

Thousands of alerts have come in from users, including Malaysians, and there have been more than 50 "success stories" with suspects nabbed on the spot.

"All Singaporeans, whether expatriates or residents, can use it. Don't hesitate," said ACP Abdul Aziz.


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