The Botón Lince (Lince Button), a digital tool designed to allow citizens to request police assistance quickly, has recorded more than 3,000 activations since it became operational in December 2025. This system has facilitated a wide range of support requests, primarily within Asunción and the Central department, which are the areas where it currently has the operational capacity to respond effectively. The Lince Button police app represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to enhance public safety and streamline communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.
In an interview with state media, Crio. Gral Gustavo Ruiz Díaz, the Director of the National Police’s Lince Group, provided an evaluation of the system’s first semester. He explained that the initial implementation period has been viewed as a success. This positive assessment is based on the substantial level of utilisation by citizens and the numerous instances where the tool enabled effective and timely intervention by police personnel.
Initial evaluation and usage statistics
The police chief provided a more detailed breakdown of the data gathered over the past seven months. Of the more than 3,000 requests received, approximately 30% were genuine calls for assistance that required a police response. The remaining activations, consequently, were attributed to cancellations or tests conducted by users who were exploring the system’s functionality. This indicates a period of public familiarisation with the new technology, a common trend for newly launched public services.
These test activations, while not leading to dispatches, are seen as a positive sign of public engagement. They suggest, according to the police chief, that citizens are proactively learning how to use the service, which will likely lead to more efficient use during real emergencies in the future. Among the genuine interventions, officials have noted a variety of situations.
These have included reports of suspicious vehicles, concerns about unknown individuals on motorcycles causing unease in residential neighbourhoods, and also frequent complaints regarding excessive noise, particularly during weekends.
Scope of use and operational framework
Ruiz Díaz clarified that the Lince Button police app is a versatile tool intended for any situation that warrants police presence, rather than being limited to specific types of crime. He emphasised its broad applicability for citizens who feel they are in a situation that requires official intervention. The aim is to make seeking police help as straightforward as possible.
“It is a request for assistance from police personnel, so I would say that in all cases where you need a police officer, you can use it,” said Crio. Gral Gustavo Ruiz Díaz. This statement underscores the system’s role as a general-purpose channel for police support.
Currently, the operational response to these requests is concentrated in Asunción and the Central department. However, the application can be downloaded and used by citizens in other parts of the country, even if an immediate Lince Group dispatch is not yet guaranteed in those areas.
Future expansion and technical details
Looking forward, the director confirmed that efforts are underway to expand the system’s coverage. This expansion is planned to proceed in tandem with the increasing presence of the Lince Group throughout the national territory. As more agents are deployed to different regions, the operational capacity of the Botón Lince will be extended accordingly. The Lince Group currently comprises 2,135 agents who are equipped with assigned devices to receive and respond to citizen alerts generated by the application.
Ruiz Díaz issued an appeal to the public, encouraging citizens to familiarise themselves with the tool and to use it responsibly. He also offered a reminder that all user data is registered when a request is made. This measure is in place to ensure accountability and to guarantee the appropriate and serious use of the police assistance service. Misuse of the system could detract from its effectiveness in genuine emergencies.
How to access the service
For a citizen to use the service, they must first access the Portal Paraguay website using their official electronic identity. This initial step ensures that all requests are linked to a verified individual. Once logged in, the user can select the Botón Lince option from the available services. After enabling the request, the user can send the alert for assistance, which is then transmitted directly to the assigned police personnel for their area.
A key feature of the system is its ability to automatically provide law enforcement with the precise location and identity details of the person making the request. This information is crucial for coordinating a swift and accurate response. Furthermore, in situations where the Lince Group may not be able to attend directly, the system is designed for inter-departmental cooperation. The personnel receiving the alert will make the necessary coordinations with other police units to ensure that assistance is provided, creating a more integrated and responsive national safety network.
