Police will launch mobile app for safety of elderly

NEW DELHI: The Delhi police will launch a mobile phone app for the security of elderly residents in the city. The app is aimed at helping senior citizens contact

NEW DELHI: The Delhi police will launch a mobile phone app for the security of elderly residents in the city. The app is aimed at helping senior citizens contact the police during emergencies.

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The app will be available from Saturday afternoon for Android users and be extended to Apple and Windows phone users in the coming weeks.

Named ’Mobile app for senior citizens,’ an officer said that with this app, senior citizens will be able to connect with the police at the click of a button.

“If any elderly resident uses this app, he/she need not go to the local police station for registration. They can just key in their details and the local police officer will be in touch with the user ,” said an officer.

Around 27,000 elderly residents living alone are registered with the police across all police stations in Delhi. Local beat constables visit the elderly living alone, at least once a week to ensure that they are not harassed. The elderly also get regular calls from the local police station to inquire after their well-being.

Post its launch by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Saturday afternoon, the app can be downloaded by any user in the city.

Police said the senior citizens app has been launched following many crime incidents against senior citizens in Delhi, over the years. In July this year, within a fortnight, at least five senior citizens were murdered across the city.

“The app works like an SOS service. If there is an emergency, the registered elderly citizen needs to press a button and a local police officer will call back immediately. Once the SOS button is pressed, an ambulance service with local police officers will also be at their door step at the earliest,” said an officer.