Punjab Police Boosts Emergency Response with 165 Smartphones for ERVs
CHANDIGARH, March 25
In a bold step to strengthen public safety and accelerate emergency response, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla distributed 165 smartphones to Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) on Tuesday. This initiative, directed by DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, aims to optimize the Dial 112 helpline—Public Safety Answering Point—which has processed over 2.34 crore calls and recorded 20.05 lakh cases to date.
The new 5G-enabled smartphones, featuring dual SIM capabilities, will act as a backup communication lifeline alongside the Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) already installed in ERVs. Punjab operates a fleet of 258 ERVs—241 four-wheelers and 17 two-wheelers—with 165 now equipped with both advanced MDTs and these smartphones.
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Special DGP Arpit Shukla explained that the dual-device system—MDTs paired with dual-SIM smartphones—will ensure uninterrupted connectivity, even if one network drops. “This setup will drastically cut ERV response times,” he said, noting that vehicles currently take 10 to 25 minutes to reach incident sites.
Shukla underscored the ERSS-112 system’s evolution, pointing to its integration of chatbots, social media, and IoT devices, with WhatsApp support on the way. “By unifying critical helplines like 1098, 101, 108, and 181, and adding a heat map feature soon, we’re redefining how we tackle crime hotspots,” he said. The heat map will highlight high-crime zones—such as areas prone to snatching and robbery—enabling precise, proactive policing.
Describing Dial 112 PSAP as the heart of Punjab’s emergency response, Shukla noted it handles about 15,000 calls daily, registering 1,500 cases. He also revealed plans to expand the ERV fleet with additional vehicles to enhance statewide coverage and further shrink response times for citizens in need.
The ERVs are now outfitted with high-tech gear, including 1080p dash cameras with 256 GB memory, portable amplifiers, fire extinguishers, and GPS systems. Paired with hands-on MDT training for 2,100 police personnel, these upgrades highlight Punjab Police’s dedication to leveraging technology for public safety.
