Singapore dispatch callers can livestream incidents to operators in new feature

A person holding up a phone to record. Photo: Unsplash
A person holding up a phone to record. Photo: Unsplash

A new nifty feature allows an emergency caller to livestream an incident while being connected to operators.

The Emergency Video System can be initiated by Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers from the caller’s phone when they dial emergency helplines “999” and “995” to help with “situational assessment and decision-making.”

“The Emergency Video System capability leverages readily on available technology on mobile phones, allowing ‘999’ or ‘995’ callers to provide real-time location and visual information of the incident to the SPF and SCDF operation centres,” SPF and SCDF said in a joint statement. 

It is developed by the SPF, SCDF, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and ST Engineering.

An SMS with a hyperlink will be sent when the caller gives the operator consent to activate the live video stream and only when it is deemed safe to do so. 

The caller’s location will also be sent to the operators to help with the emergency.

Livestreaming will be useful in incidents where it involves fires, road traffic accidents, rescue incidents, crime scenes and situations where the caller is unsure how to describe the victim’s condition, SPF and SCDF told Channel News Asia today. The feature can also be used if the caller is at unclear locations.

The footage captured could be used in court if requested, the authorities added.

Other stories you should check out:

It’s ‘Love On Tour’ (literally) as Harry Styles helps Singapore fan propose in concert
“What do we do now? Kenneth, you’ve stolen my thunder.” Read more.
It’s ‘Love On Tour’ (literally) as Harry Styles helps Singapore fan propose in concert
“What do we do now? Kenneth, you’ve stolen my thunder.” Read more.
Singapore teens film themselves vaping on Sentosa cable car ride, reported to the police
They supplemented the scenic ride with a vape and a pack of cigarettes. Read more.
Singapore teens film themselves vaping on Sentosa cable car ride, reported to the police
They supplemented the scenic ride with a vape and a pack of cigarettes. Read more.


Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on