With an investment of 2.55 million pesos, the local government has launched a new digital emergency app with geolocation and instant response capabilities. The tool, called the Citizen Security Smart Button, gives residents direct access to police, firefighters, and soon the Red Cross.

The app can be downloaded on both Android and Apple devices. Unlike a previous emergency app introduced during former Mayor Araceli Brown’s administration—where the contracted company retained the personal data of more than 10,000 users—the new platform is owned by the municipality.

Héctor Manzo Ruvalcaba, the city’s Secretary of Citizen Security, said the prior contractor never delivered the requested data from that app, and the city will review the contract to determine appropriate action. He emphasized that this time the platform is fully municipal property and will remain available for future administrations.

“It’s similar to the past application but with many improvements,” Manzo Ruvalcaba said. “It has been validated by Apple and Android, it’s free, and the data is stored securely in the cloud. We’ll also be able to provide transparency by reporting on the number of users and types of emergency responses.”

The only recurring cost will be license renewals when required. To prevent misuse, the app asks users to upload a valid ID upon registration. False alerts may lead to accounts being deactivated.

Mayor Rocio Adame said the project responds directly to citizens’ demands for faster emergency response. To help residents adapt to the new tool, city staff will visit high schools, neighborhood committees, and the tourism sector to provide demonstrations and training on how to use the app.