Baja California Sur’s State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE) has installed 18 violet-colored emergency call buttons at strategic surveillance points across La Paz, giving pedestrians a direct line to 911 with the push of a button.
The devices, officially called “Violet Emergency Buttons,” are positioned along the malecón waterfront and in several residential neighborhoods. When pressed, each button connects immediately to a 911 operator who can activate nearby surveillance cameras to see the person requesting help, confirm the exact location, and dispatch police or emergency units.
Where the Buttons Are Located
The 18 buttons are spread across eight zones in La Paz. Along the malecón, the city’s popular seaside promenade, multiple buttons have been placed at existing video surveillance posts. The remaining buttons are installed in the neighborhoods of Indeco, Márquez de León, Centro, 20 de Noviembre, Camino Real, Península Sur, and Guerrero.
Each button is placed at an existing camera pole, meaning the 911 operator can pull up a live video feed of the area within seconds. This setup allows dispatchers to assess the situation visually before sending responders, potentially speeding up response times.
Designed to Combat Gender-Based Violence
The SSPE designed the system primarily to protect women and girls from violence and harassment in public spaces. The violet color is used across Mexico to identify programs and resources focused on gender-based violence prevention. However, the state government confirmed that anyone witnessing or experiencing any type of crime can use the buttons.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Baja California Sur state government to reduce gender-based violence and strengthen preventive surveillance across the capital city. La Paz has been expanding its network of video surveillance cameras in recent years, and the emergency buttons add an interactive layer to that infrastructure.
How the System Works
A person in distress presses the violet button on the pole. The device opens an immediate audio connection to a 911 operator. At the same time, the operator gains access to the nearest camera feed, providing a visual on the caller’s location. Emergency units are then dispatched based on both the caller’s description and the operator’s own assessment of the scene.
For anyone walking the malecón or passing through these neighborhoods, the buttons are identifiable by their bright violet color mounted on surveillance poles. No phone or app is needed to activate them.
This story was first reported by the Baja California Sur state government at bcs.gob.mx.