What You Will Learn To Do
Taking control of your personal safety starts with having the right information at the right time. You can transform your smartphone into a powerful neighborhood watch tool that keeps you one step ahead of potential threats.
- Receive instant notifications about police activity and emergency incidents occurring near your current location;
- Watch live video broadcasts from the scene of breaking incidents provided by community members;
- Access a nationwide map to identify registered offenders living in or moving into your neighborhood;
- Track historical crime trends in your specific area to make informed decisions about your travel routes;
- Help your community stay safe by reporting missing persons or pets through the app’s network.
By mastering these digital safety tools, you ensure that you and your loved ones are never caught off guard. Start exploring these features today to build a more secure environment for your family.
TIP: CUSTOMIZE YOUR ALERT RADIUS
To prevent your phone from buzzing constantly, you should adjust the notification settings to a specific radius around your home or workplace. This ensures you only receive alerts for incidents that directly impact your immediate surroundings. You can also filter alerts by type, such as focusing only on major emergencies or police presence.
What You’ll Need
Smartphone or Tablet
A device running iOS or Android with approximately 230MB of free space.
Active Internet Connection
A stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to receive real-time updates.
Location Permissions
GPS must be enabled so the app can provide alerts relevant to your specific location.
User Account
A valid email address or phone number to create your free security profile.
Who Will Benefit From These Alerts?
Safety is a universal priority, but certain people find these real-time updates especially life-changing. This technology provides a digital safety net for various members of the community.
- Parents can gain peace of mind by receiving alerts while their children are playing outside or walking home from school.
- Elderly residents living alone can stay more aware of their environment and feel more connected to local safety updates.
- Daily commuters can avoid dangerous areas or active police scenes by checking the live map before they start their drive.
- New homeowners can research the safety history of a neighborhood before deciding where to purchase their next property.
- Pet owners can utilize the community network to quickly broadcast alerts if a beloved animal goes missing in the area.
WARNING: ALWAYS PRIORITIZE OFFICIAL EMERGENCY SERVICES
An app is a tool for awareness, not a replacement for professional help. If you are in immediate danger, always call 911 first and never attempt to intervene in a crime or confront suspicious individuals yourself.
Take Control of Your Safety
Don’t wait for the morning news to find out what happened on your block last night. Equip yourself with the free tools used by millions of Americans to stay informed and protected in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Citizen app really free?
Yes, the core features including real-time alerts, the safety map, and incident reports are completely free to use. There are premium versions available for extra features, but the basic safety tools don’t cost a dime.
Will this app tell me exactly who is dangerous?
No, the app reports on incidents and events, not individuals. While it does show a map of registered offenders, it is designed to provide situational awareness rather than creating a blacklist of neighbors.
How does the app know about incidents so fast?
The app combines official emergency radio traffic, user-generated reports, and live video broadcasts. This multi-source approach often allows notifications to reach you faster than traditional news outlets.
Can I use this app to find a missing pet?
Yes, the app has a specific feature for missing person and pet alerts. You can post a description and photo to notify other users in your immediate area to keep an eye out.
Does the app work in all cities?
The app works in most major US cities and many suburban areas. You can download it and enter your zip code to see the level of activity and coverage currently available in your specific location.
