Decision details

TecSAFE (previously TecSOS) has been running since 2011 and is now a mainstream police system in around 36 Forces and over 50 police control rooms. It has sustainability going forward having been part of the police digital service (PDS) since April 2023.

The service provides a covert application on the victims mobile phone which triggers a police alarm when activated by the victim. The alert opens a call with the GMP control room who then utilise real time tracking to ensure that any response is directed to the person.

The system is trialled and tested and is cost effective. The system provides victim support and reassurance.

A specific relationship with BT that means TecSAFE victims are given special treatment on the national BT 999 system, they are recognised by BT as TecSAFE callers, and immune from automatic disconnection in the event of a silent call.

Real-time location/speed/direction updates are provided directly into police control rooms enabling effective and accurate tracking during an emergency
The system shares information/intelligence added by the OIC with all police control rooms 24/7 regarding the victim and perpetrator details/risks, so that all 50+ police control rooms can respond effectively to an activation from another force’s victim – protecting victims and officers.

In summary, police can send the right response to the right person in the right location. The applications will be utilised to protect a range of vulnerable victims. The system will provide enhanced protection and will improve any associated response.

This funding will fund the scheme during the second year of the roll out to allow 100 applications.

This will contribute to the following Police, Crime and Fire actions for the GMS Delivery Plan:
• Tackle gender-based violence and abuse in all its forms.
• Gender-based Violence Strategy.

This also contributes towards delivery of priorities within the Standing Together Plan:
• Keeping people safe and support victims, specifically improve services to victims of sexual and domestic violence.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime approves funding for the second year delivery of the Tech Safe Initiative by GMP. The app is being used to support vulnerable victims/survivors of domestic abuse. The funding required to deliver the second year of delivery is £7,200 which allows for 100 licences to be used. During the delivery of this second year of the Tec Safe Initiative Officers in GMP will position support for the future delivery of Tec Safe Initiative into GMP Business Plans going forward. Budget provision has been made for this funding to come from the Police and Criminal Justice element of the GBV Budget cost centre 3044.