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Emergency phones for people at risk

A follow-up of their use and effectiveness. English summary of Brå report 2015:7

In 2010, the Government decided that victims of persecution were to be provided with personal emergency phones and protection packages. This study shows that the emergency phone has made the victims feel that the police take them seriously and has made them less afraid.

About the publication

Author
Stina Holmberg, Kristina Jerre, Sandra Larsson and Melai Lehkamo
Other information
© Brottsförebyggande rådet 2015
urn:nbn:se:bra-589
Report 2015:7

About the study

In April 2010, the Government decided to commission the National Police Board to guarantee the provision of personal emergency phones and protection packages to victims of persecution.

The goal was to strengthen the protection of people at risk and to create more uniform conditions across Sweden for receiving this type of protection. In connection with this, more modern equipment was procured. The National Police Board was to make this equipment available to the police authorities.

The protection package includes an emergency phone with GPS functionality and a recording unit for telephone calls. In addition, the police can offer the individual a “shrill alarm”. This, however, is not a solution provided by the National Police Board. The technical equipment can be loaned to the “protectee” after the police have established the existence of such a need.

In December 2013, The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå) was commissioned by the Government to follow up

  • how well the emergency phones are being made available
  • the extent to which they have come into practical use and averted danger
  • how the phones have affected victims’ sense of security and confidence in the criminal justice system.