Call to locate phone app

PAKENHAM police are encouraging residents in rural areas to download the new triple zero app for mobile phones.
The State Government welcomed the launch of the new app that will help people calling triple zero to identify their exact location.
Senior Sergeant Trevor Vondrasek said the app was a great idea, particularly for those in the rural, country areas in Cardinia Shire whose location might be hard to track.
He said it would be useful for residents in places such as Labertouche and into the hills.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells said the Emergency+ app was a federal initiative that connects users to triple zero and uses smartphone GPS technology to give the user their exact location.
“People calling triple zero may be in unfamiliar surroundings with only limited understanding of their location details,” he said.
“They can also be under great stress as a result of their emergency, making it difficult for triple zero operators to get the information they need to dispatch emergency services.
“The location of a caller is the first most important piece of information the triple zero operator needs.
“This app has the potential to gather that information quickly and accurately.”
Victoria police do not yet provide this service but a project is underway to investigate the best way to connect Victorians to police for non-emergency matters.