Police to launch app to help senior citizens in distress

In order to provide quick police assistance to senior citizens in the city, the Delhi police is all set to launch a ‘Senior Citizen Mobile App” on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons on October 1.

At present around 27,000 senior citizens are registered with the Delhi police. Senior citizens can download the mobile application from Google Play Store. It has been launched to ensure that an emergency support system for senior citizens is just a click away. The application will have an SOS button.

“Senior citizens already registered with the police have to enter their mobile numbers to register on the app. For new users there will be a form available on the app. After filing details, a policeman will visit the house for verification and other formalities,” said a senior police official.

For better connectivity and quick response, SOS calls on the mobile application will be integrated with a dedicated existing helpline Senior Citizen-1291.

The mobile application has been designed with features that allow users to press the SOS button in case of an emergency.

“The call will reach a dedicated station. If the user is unwell, an ambulance will be sent. For nay other reason, a beat constable will asked to contact the user,” said a senior police official.

In case, the user does not respond to operator’s calls, a beat constable will swiftly visit the house to verify the reason of distress.

“Safety of senior citizens is our priority. After a dedicated helpline for senior citizens we are moving ahead with a mobile application for better safety and assistance,” said Taj Hassan, Special Commissioner of Police.

The police is also conducting meetings in localities on sensitising people. Police says that senior citizens especially those living alone are often at a risk of violent crimes.

On July 20, a 65-year-old retired government employee, who hailed from Kerala, was found murdered at his flat in Samachar Apartments.