NYC to invest in SilentShield panic buttons to protect bodega workers, customers. Here's how the tech works.
On Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams announced $1.6 million will be invested in technology that will give police direct and immediate access to the bodega surveillance video once the button is pushed during a crime.
Read more: Video shows suspects disguised as NYPD officers robbing bodega in Brooklyn
How SilentShield technology works
In a push to keep bodegas safe, the mayor announced the city's intent to use SilentShield technology -- a button that will be installed in the bodega that staff can press. It will call police immediately during an emergency.
Back in June 2018, the city was shocked by the murder of 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. As the teenager sought shelter in a Bronx bodega, he was brutally killed by gang members in a case of mistaken identity. Officials say a panic button could have helped the owner call police faster.
"Panic buttons is what's going to save the lives of so many. Not just the lives of bodega owners and workers; the lives of so many that have ran into a bodega seeking safe shelter and they've been killed," said Fernando Mateo of United Bodegas of America.
Officials say the buttons will be installed in 500 stores in the city and you won't know which shops have them. Police say once the SilentShield button is pressed it will directly connect police to the store's surveillance.
"It gives our responding officers situational awareness to keep them safe. It helps with timely apprehensions and it gives our Detective Squad great tools to catch people after the fact," NYPD Chief of Department John Chell said.
United Bodegas of America will be seeking competitive bids for the SilentShield technology and officials say installation is expected in the coming months.
Bodega workers, customers welcome the initiative
Dario Dominguez told CBS News New York he keeps a close eye on who comes into his Frederick Douglass Boulevard bodega.
"When you got outside, you never know what could happen," Dominguez said.
Police say a 33-year-old was fatally stabbed just feet away from the front door on Saturday morning.
"Very bad. Too much problem, you know?" Dominguez said.
"Anything can happen. Somebody is having a bad day, they knock into somebody, and it spills in to a fight," a customer said.
"Sure, I would feel more safe," another added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
29 minutes ago
- New York Post
Brute lurking near Times Square tries to rape 21-year-old woman: cops, sources
A brute lurking near Times Square choked a 21-year-old woman unconscious — then tried to rape her — over the weekend, cops and law-enforcement sources said. The stranger snuck up behind his victim as she walked at the corner of West 47th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, according to authorities and sources. He wrapped his arm around her neck, causing her to lose consciousness for a few seconds, sources said. The suspect approached the woman from behind at the corner of West 47th Street and Eighth Avenue early Sunday, cops said. NYPD The sicko then tried to rape the woman while she was blacked out, cops and sources said. But as she began to regain consciousness, the attacker backed off and started fleeing west on 47th Street toward Ninth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, according to police and sources. The victim was taken to the Metropolitan Hospital Center, where she was listed in stable condition with neck pain from the strangulation. The alleged would-be rapist was caught on surveillance holding his cell phone. NYPD The attacker – shown on surveillance footage holding his cell phone while walking on the dark sidewalk – had not been caught by Tuesday, authorities said. He was last seen wearing black t-shirt, black shorts and white sneakers. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at or on X @NYPDTips.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Female police officer leaps into water, fights career criminal before making arrest, video shows
A dramatic video captured a female New York City police officer leaping into the water and fighting a career criminal before bringing him into custody. The NYPD hailed the actions of the brave officer, describing how she and her colleagues made bold moves in the arrest of suspected car thief Matthew Swafford in Queens on Aug. 5. Swafford "didn't count on our dedicated NYPD 101 Precinct officers following him without hesitation, putting duty before danger," the department wrote on X as it released footage showing the female officer removing her gear before jumping into the water and engaging in a hand-to-hand struggle with Swafford. The agency told Fox News Digital that the arrest of Swafford unfolded after responding officers "received information from the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol that they had located a black 2025 Honda sedan, which was reported stolen. Accused Anti-israel Arsonist Turns Himself In For Allegedly Torching 10 Nypd Vehicles Ahead Of Protest: Feds "A canvass was conducted, and the 29-year-old male driver was located nearby. The male, in an attempt to flee the location, jumped off a dock and into the East Rockaway Inlet," the Nypd said in a statement. Read On The Fox News App "Officers pursued the male into the water and successfully affected the arrest. Additional officers arrived on scene along with FDNY EMS and Park's Department Lifeguards and safely brought the male to shore without any further incidents," it added. Footage released by authorities began with Swafford jumping into the water. "I got a perp that just jumped in the water," one officer is heard saying into his police radio. Violent Assault On Off-duty Nypd Rookie Uncovers Tensions With Police Safety And Force Protocols The female officer then leapt into the water in pursuit of Swafford. The video showed the female officer and Swafford engaging in a struggle, with the NYPD saying "the suspect began fighting with officers when approached." He was eventually brought into custody. Swafford, described by police as a recidivist, was charged with Grand Larceny Auto, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Obstructing Governmental article source: Female police officer leaps into water, fights career criminal before making arrest, video shows
Fox News
4 hours ago
- Fox News
Female police officer leaps into water, fights suspected car thief before making arrest
Footage released by NYPD shows officer "putting duty before danger" while making the arrest of a suspected car thief in New York City on Aug. 5, 2025. (Credit: NYPD/TMX).
