Draft:Disha APP

The Disha SOS App  is a mobile application released by the State Police of Andhra Pradesh, India, with the objective of ensuring the safety and security of women and children in emergency situations. It was launched in February 2020. It was developed by Sauthrika Technologies in collaboration with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh.

History
The Disha SOS App was conceptualized by the Andhra Pradesh State Police in collaboration with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh. It was launched by the Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy, in February 2020.Sauthrika Technologies is an IT company located in Hyderabad, Telangana and Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Sauthrika Technologies has two women entrepreneurs as the directors specializing in the development of software, websites, mobile applications and security surveillance.

Disha SOS project was initiated in response to the pressing need to enhance the safety of women and children, particularly in cases of distress and danger.

Features
Disha app provides users with information like the locations nearby police stations, phone numbers for police and helplines that can be dialed to get emergency help and support, and official useful contacts. It also contains a tracking safety feature that can be used in emergency situations.

Quick SOS Button:

The app features a prominent SOS button that, when activated, sends the user's location, along with a ten-second audio and video recording, to both the Disha Command Control Room and an alert to victim's designated emergency contacts.

Location Tracking:

In emergency situations, knowing the exact location is crucial for a rapid response. The app utilizes GPS technology to share the user's real-time location. This feature not only expedites the response time but also enhances the safety and security of women in distress.

Emergency Contacts:

The app allows users to pre-register trusted emergency contacts who are notified automatically when the SOS button is pressed.

Impact
Since the launch of Disha app, it has garnered approximately 13.5 million downloads, with 11 million registered users. The app has received around 900,000 SOS alerts. Each and every complaint was promptly addressed by the Disha police resulting in successful interventions to assist women in emergency situations.

The Disha SOS App has improved response times during emergencies, empowered individuals to seek help quickly, and acted as a deterrent to potential offenders. The government has reported a reduction in crime rates and an increase in the safety perception among women and citizens since the app's introduction.