Personal Safety Technology: State of the Nation
Technology has long been used to increase personal safety and provide peace of mind to users and their loved ones. It starts as simply as the code “three rings” – a traditional way to let friends and family know you’ve arrived safely by calling and hanging up after the phone has rung three times.
As mobile phones and SMS technology evolved, this protocol transformed into sending a text or WhatsApp message. In organisations, this common practice has developed into the ‘Buddy System,’ where workers are paired up and given the responsibility to check-in with each other. If one fails to respond, the other is responsible for escalating the situation.
WhatsApp and similar messaging platforms also allow users to share their live location with contacts, enabling them to monitor where they are in real time, which can be particularly reassuring during commutes or when navigating unfamiliar environments.
Building on these advancements, mobile apps have made personal safety solutions even more accessible.
The popularity of free personal safety apps in the UK has surged in recent years, especially among women and young people seeking accessible safety tools.
This trend can be attributed to factors such as heightened awareness of personal safety concerns, the ubiquity of smartphones, and the desire for convenient protection tools.
While specific features can vary, most popular personal safety apps offer the following core functionalities:
SOS Alarms: A single button press sends an alert to pre-selected emergency contacts.
Location Sharing: Users can share their real-time location with trusted individuals.
Safe Spaces: Access to information that plots safety-trained venues across the UK.
Community Features: Some platforms offer community forums or support groups where users can connect, share experiences and receive advice.
Crime Mapping: Some apps display local crime data, enabling users to avoid high-risk areas.
In contrast, paid services, like Peoplesafe, provide more advanced functionalities and enhanced security measures.
The core benefit of a paid service is the 24/7 support and professional monitoring that free apps cannot match.
All SOS alarms will be received by expertly trained controllers to triage the situation and escalate as needed. Users are guaranteed to receive a response to their alarm wherever they are, whenever they need help.
With the necessary accreditations in place, the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) will have a list of unique reference numbers (URNs) for UK police forces to call in threat-to-life situations, ensuring the fastest possible response.
For less serious incidents, bespoke escalation plans can be put in place to notify the appropriate people and coordinate a response.
The technology in paid services is also more advanced, featuring tools such as fall detection. With this feature, an alarm will automatically be raised if the personal safety app or device detects the user has slipped, tripped or fallen over. This means that even if the person is unconscious or incapacitated, they will still be able to receive help.
As standard, users can:
set timed alarms for specific activities,
check-in and out of their working day, and
record voice memos to provide more information about the risks they’re facing.
As safety technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for organisations to evaluate their safety needs and choose solutions that provide the appropriate level of protection for their workforce.
