NSW triple-0 callers to be given live stream option in emergency dispatch overhaul

In one of the biggest shake ups to the NSW triple-0 service in decades, callers will now be given the option to live stream their emergency situation.

Every triple-0 call in NSW will have a live-stream video option in the biggest shake up to emergency dispatch in decades.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the statewide rollout will start today after a trial was used in high-profile cases including the Bondi massacre where a loan knife-wielding man stabbed and killed six people and injured a further 12.

A limited trial across 20 police commands has already used the technology to help nab more than 100 wanted men and women, with members of the public becoming the “eyes and ears” of police, live streaming more than 700 events back to emergency operators.

In an exclusive interview this week, the commander of the Technology and Communication Services Command, Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney, said the BluLink tool also allowed the public to provide police with GPS coordinates, digital media uploads and text messages via a link sent to them from triple-0 dispatchers.

Officers investigating the Bondi Stabbings on Saturday 13 April and Sunday 14 April 2024, used ‘BluLink’ to review uploaded footage and CCTV from members of the public. Picture: NSW Police

Powered by the GoodSAM platform, it is consent-based and easy to use, requiring people to click on a link sent to their smartphones.

Pre-recorded video or photos can be uploaded to police via an attachment request, and chat functionality enables text messaging between police and members of the public in situations where voice calls are dangerous or challenging.

The platform is not an app, so members of the public don’t need to do anything beforehand.

Assistant Commissioner Maloney said the pilot was one of the most successful she had seen, with officers really embracing it across the trial commands.

“When we rolled it out into the different commands I really wanted them to understand all capabilities and find different uses for the technology to suit their individual needs,” she said.

At Bondi Junction Westfield in April police had quick access to CCTV footage from inside the building as they investigated the horror at the hands of 40-year-old Joel Cauchi.

A shooting at a Marrickville barber was another great example of how technology can help investigators, Assistant Commissioner Maloney said.

A crew arrived at the scene and spoke with a witness who reported they had filmed what is suspected to have been people in a getaway car. That footage could be sent straight to investigators. The case is now before the courts.

Assistant Commissioner Maloney said another benefit of BluLink was that it gave people having difficulty communicating because of language barriers an easy tool that could translate texts into 150 different languages.

“Front-line officers are using that aspect of the technology and having great results communicating with people instantly,” she said.

Another plus was the ability of victims of domestic violence and sex crimes, who may be reluctant to have police enter their homes, to communicate with officers.

“It’s a way for them to text and communicate with them and feel comfortable,” Assistant Commissioner Maloney said.

A Blulink trial was used in high-profile cases including the Bondi tragedy. Picture: Twitter

BluLink has been trialled in regional, metropolitan and specialist areas such as forensics.

It is also a great tool for training purposes, with young officers on the ground able to seek feedback and advice from a supervisor back at the station.

“Members of the community are our eyes and ears so this is an innovative way that they can provide us with information using the latest technology,” Assistant Commissioner Maloney said.

“This is the first step in the digital policing road map, there is much more to come and we are really excited. Our team has worked really hard over 18 months to get it to where it is and it sells itself.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said BluLink “further strengthens the capability of our police and emergency dispatchers by giving them instant, real-time access to unfolding emergencies”.

A crew arrived at the scene and spoke with a witness who reported they had filmed what is suspected to have been people in a getaway car after the Marrickville shooting. Picture: NSW Police

“Police rely on members of the community to accurately describe an incident so they know what they’re dealing with and what they need to respond; BluLink gives them unrivalled access to a scene before they’re even arrived,” she said.

“On average, police receive more than 1500 emergency calls for assistance every day; this technology will help triage and respond to incidents more effectively than ever before.”

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