Brantford has launched a new safety measure in Harmony Square. The “code blue emergency phone” is a direct link to first responders. The city said the intercom is meant to be used for medical emergencies, public safety concerns or to report potentially criminal behaviour. “The code blue emergency phones make it easier for people to access help when they need it,” explained Brandon Partridge, the city’s supervisor of surveillance, in a media release. “Whether someone is experiencing a medical emergency, feels unsafe or witnesses unlawful activity, these phones provide a simple and reliable way to connect with emergency services.” The city said the initiative came out of discussions between the Brantford Police Service and officials at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus, who noted that some people may not have access to a cellphone. “Due to a lack of payphones in the downtown, the city was asked to investigate installing code blue emergency phones,” the release said. The system will also work in tandem with the CCTV system in Harmony Square. The city said the phone is intended for emergencies only. They warned that misuse could result in a common nuisance charge.
