David Thomas
In a 1970s James Bond movie “Q” briefs 007 on the latest device to get him out of trouble in confronting foreign agents. “Q” says: “here 007, take this device which is the size of a watch and when you press this button it shows us exactly where you are and we can communicate directly with you anytime, any place” – exciting stuff, welcome to the world of PERS; in other words Personal Emergency Response Systems. Of course what “Q” was referring to at that time was only in the world of fiction, but this has now become a reality that is available and affordable by all.
Every so often a system comes along incorporating the latest technology which represents a major step forward in the world of public safety, not just the safety of agents; something that really “knocks your socks off!”
PERS in global terms is not new, but the latest technology has resulted in such systems being available and affordable by all in the Algarve, whereas previously it had been limited to James Bond movies.
This feature, therefore, looks at the development of PERS, what exactly they do and how they can in certain instances be a lifesaver.
is a former Assistant Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police, consultant to INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In October 2011 he formed Safe Communities Algarve an on-line platform here in the Algarve to help the authorities and the community prevent crime. 913 045 093
