GoodSAM
Northamptonshire Police is now using the innovative communication system GoodSAM which provides additional ways for us to communicate and engage with members of the public who call us for assistance.
About GoodSAM
GoodSAM is a communication system designed for the emergency services. It allows you to share your GPS location with us, live stream video, chat to us via messaging, and communicate with us via two-way video consultation.
It works by us sending you a web link to your smartphone via SMS or email.
By using this platform, we will be able provide a more effective service to the public by sending the most appropriate resources, and we will be better placed to gather evidence of any crimes that are being committed, so we can bring offenders to justice.
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How does it work?
When you contact Northamptonshire Police, if we believe that there is benefit in using GoodSAM, we will send you an SMS text message or an email containing a web link. This will be done after gaining your consent.
While on the phone, we will explain the reason for requesting this information from you. Reasons might include locating you, seeing what it is that you are reporting to us so that we can capture evidence of offences, to aid in decision making on how to help you, or to allow us to monitor the situation whilst we are on our way.
Once we have captured the information needed to appropriately deal with your call, the GoodSAM connection is ended, and Northamptonshire Police will have no further access to any information on your device.
You are free to end the connection at any time by either asking us to end the GoodSAM link, or by simply pressing the red cross button on the bottom of your screen. GoodSAM is only used with your consent.
Does it cost me anything?
Streaming live video through GoodSAM will require a data connection, either via Wi-Fi or Mobile Data. Live video is highly compressed and optimised for transmission over the mobile network therefore it will only use a very small amount of data. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, then your mobile data will not be used. If you are using mobile data (4G/5G) then you may not be charged for using GoodSAM as there are agreements in place with many of the major mobile network providers that exempt GoodSAM from being chargeable.
Do I need to download an app?
No. This service works without you needing to download anything beforehand. All you need to do is click the link sent to you and allow access to your camera, microphone and location if/when prompted.
Most modern smartphones or tablets with a camera will be able to use GoodSAM. It will work with both Apple and Android Operating Systems. Older models of phone or tablet may not be supported.
What data is collected and what happens to it?
To initiate live streaming, we require an email address or your mobile number, and these details are entered into GoodSAM. The service will capture your IP address, any live or recorded media you choose to share, and (if you allow access to your location) the GPS co-ordinates of your device will be displayed to us.
Can the police access information on my phone?
We will have no access to any data on your device either during or after use of GoodSAM. We only see your video feed and location whilst your web browser is open. Once live streaming is finished, we will have no ongoing access to your camera or location.
What about security?
The GoodSAM platform has been through a rigorous security assessment, and all data (both data being transmitted, and data being stored) is fully encrypted. For further information on how we process your personal data please see the force privacy notice.