What Looking Local can do for you

A growing number of emergency services across the country are considering DiTV and mobile as key channels for to encourage citizen interest and interaction. Whether it is due to the sheer numbers of mobile phones that are now in circulation or simply the key demographic that DiTV and mobile reaches, Looking Local is a key partner in terms of delivering their message.

Around 18% of the population does not have Internet access or PC skills and Internet penetration is slowing. Research shows that only 58% of people in the C2 socio-demographic group and 37% of DEs have access to Internet at home or work. This leaves significant numbers of people unable to access non-emergency services 24/7. Whilst crime and fire take no account of class or status, there is evidence that a higher percentage of people within C2/DE become victims and/or need support.

Looking Local is working with police authorities in Wales to extend access to the non-emergency 101 service using different channels, in a further attempt to reduce necessary and expensive 999 calls. Having already integrated the service, it is possible to extend 101 to other areas as it rolls out.

Looking Local presented at a BAPCO event held in Sussex in June 2011. The theme of the day focused on how technology can be put to best use to enhance the customer experience, as well as improve organisational efficiency.
Sue Lampard, Vice President BAPCO, had this to say afterwards:

"The input demonstrated how the Looking Local product is ideal for engaging with hard to reach communities that public safety organisations have historically found challenging to communicate with. As a non-profit making organisation, the Looking Local products and service work at the heart of public service delivery."

Whether it is for advice, support, non-emergency services, Looking Local is able to offer multi platform technology to police and fire and rescue organisations across the UK.

Emergency Services already available on Looking Local:

• Integration with and access to 101 services
• 'Most Wanted' service - Avon & Somerset integrated with their web service showing images and descriptions of the most wanted criminals in their area
• Counter Terrorism - including information on how to deal with it, reporting suspicious activity and paths to prevention
• Smoke alarm advice and the ability to book a fire safety home check
• Traffic incidents and updates
• Contact your local police station or police officer
• Information on a range of emergency services and how to handle them if they happen to you
• Victim support
• Crime prevention advice and Neighbourhood Watch
• Ability to link in with your Twitter feeds to update your site with the latest news and alerts regarding local issues and potential emergency situations

Information on the technology that drives Looking Local can be found here, whilst an audience breakdown and wider Business Case is also available.

To really understand how Looking Local can extend your reach, please contact us.