NSW Police have recently launched a new platform linking police and the community, which could prove invaluable to people in the bush in times of emergencies. 

‘BluLink’ allows members of the public direct access to police dispatchers and police responding to emergencies. 

Via a link sent from Triple Zero (OOO) dispatchers, the public can provide police live streaming video, GPS coordinates, digital media uploads and text messages which can assist police confirm the exact location of an emergency and access to incidents as they unfold. 

The platform powered by GoodSam is easy to use and unlike an app does not need to be downloaded prior.  

After contacting Triple Zero members of the public will receive a link via their smartphone which will enable them to share information that may be of help to police and emergency services.  

Such information will give police an indication of which resources need to be allocated to an incident, assisting with the triage process and support of subsequent investigations, while photos and pre-recorded videos can also be uploaded, and the platform’s chat function will allow text messaging between police and the public in situations where a voice call could be deemed difficult. 

The text messages can be translated into 150 different languages, giving police an even better chance of getting vital information, without the need for a translator. 

Nyngan police Sergeant Tony Wood says the new technology is extremely helpful for rural areas. 

Minister for Police and Counter terrorism, Yasmin Catley 

“We have been using ‘BluLink’ in a trial version for the last six months or so and it has proven to be enormously beneficial, particularly the GPS capabilities.,” said Sergeant Wood. 

“In remote areas, rural addressing can be difficult to interrupt so the program allows us to immediately and accurately locate where someone may be, as well as staying in contact with people who may need to report things, who can then provide us with imagery and videos taken at the time which has been very helpful to our investigations." 

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

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

“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.” 

Commander of Technology and Communication Services Command, Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney.

A 12-month trial of ‘BluLink’ commenced in 2023, proving its worth assisting with the Bondi Junction stabbing earlier this year as well as rescues and missing person cases. 

“We know that members of the community are our eyes and ears and ‘BluLink’ is an innovative way in which further information can be provided to us during a Triple Zero (000) call, which assists us in enhancing our policing response,” said Commander of Technology and Communication Services Command, Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney. 

“’BluLink’ is expected to better assist the public and save time and resources across every police command for both front line and specialist areas. 

“You never know when you might be in an emergency, or need to call Triple Zero (000), and ‘BluLink’ could help if something were to happen.” 

How it works: 

• In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). 
• If the operator requires further information, they will send you a text message. 
• Tap on the link to open the BluLink platform. 
• You will then be able to share information such as your GPS location, stream live video, or have a text message conversation if you’re in a situation where you’re unable to speak. 

During the trial the following has been achieved, 

• More than 700 Live Videos streamed 
• More than 8300 locations obtained 
• More than 100 High Risk Missing Person locations obtained 
• More than 60 Missing Bushwalker locations obtained 
• More than 78,000 Digital Victim Cards issued 
• More than 8000 digital media files uploaded 
• More than 1500 Chat messages initiated 
• More than 1600 requests for translation.