Punjab Introduces 165 Smartphones for Emergency Response Vehicles

Key Takeaways

165 new smartphones have been distributed to ERVs.
These phones are equipped with 5G and dual SIM technology.
Enhances communication for the Dial 112 helpline.
Integrates multiple emergency helplines into a unified system.
Introduces heat map feature for crime hotspot visualization.

Chandigarh, March 25 (NationPress) In a pivotal initiative to enhance emergency response efficiency, Punjab's Special Director General of Police (Law and Order), Arpit Shukla, on Tuesday, distributed 165 cutting-edge smartphones to emergency response vehicles (ERVs) as part of the Emergency Response Support System.

This initiative, launched under the guidance of DGP Gaurav Yadav, aims to further optimize the Dial 112 helpline—a public safety answering point that has handled over 2.34 crore calls and recorded nearly 20.05 lakh cases to date.

The new smartphones, featuring 5G technology and dual SIM capabilities, will function as a supplementary communication tool alongside the existing mobile data terminals present in ERVs.

Punjab operates 258 ERVs, comprising 241 four-wheelers and 17 two-wheelers, with 165 equipped with state-of-the-art mobile data terminals and the newly issued smartphones.

Special DGP Shukla stated that every ERV is currently outfitted with mobile data terminals.

Additionally, the introduction of new smartphones with dual SIMs will guarantee continuous connectivity, even in the event of one network's failure. This dual-device setup is anticipated to considerably shorten ERV response times, he noted.

At present, ERVs take approximately 10 to 25 minutes to arrive at the scene. He emphasized the revolutionary effect of the ERSS-112 system, which has broadened communication avenues to include chatbots, social media, and IoT devices, with WhatsApp integration forthcoming.

“The merging of essential helplines, such as 1098, 101, 108, and 181, into a cohesive system, alongside the impending heat map feature, will transform our approach to identifying and addressing crime hotspots,” stated the Special DGP, adding that the heat map will help visualize crime clusters across the state by pinpointing areas with high incident rates of snatching, robbery, and other serious offenses, facilitating more strategic policing.

The ERVs are further equipped with dash cameras offering 1080p resolution, 256 GB memory cards, portable amplifiers, fire extinguishers, and GPS systems.