Is This the Netflix of Security? 🤔
We also discuss when to dial 911, how to alert others you're in danger, and why you should know your address. Estimated read time: 3 Minutes.
Citizen App: Innovation, or Controversy? 📱
“Citizen” describes itself as a crime & neighborhood watch mobile app, with over 8 million users in 30 cities🏙. It combines user-generated reports & police scanner transcripts to create “real-time safety alerts” to its users in their geographical area📲. Users can even live stream events such as crime scenes or large fires on the platform. Many creators have already racked up millions of views🎥.
The platform is quickly evolving and is rolling out it's new $20 a month subscription model. The new feature would enable users to talk, text, and video chat with a “Protect Agent”🕴. The service is not intended to be a replacement for 911 calls, but it can be a great compliment by helping users send their location to operators, talking users through a situation, or helping guide them to a safe place while waiting for authorities to arrive.
“Protect Agents” backgrounds include former EMTs, law enforcement, suicide intervention specialists, and dispatchers. The agents go through a rigorous multi-week training program that includes mental health education and racial/gender bias prevention😓.
What could be next:
If people are willing to pay for a subscription for a “virtual bodyguard”, would they be willing to pay for a physical security service? Leaked emails suggest Citizen thinks so📧. As emergency response service budgets are being cut, and response times increase, it appears Citizen is attempting to provide a solution via a private security platform.
Scenarios the service could be ideal for include:
🌙Escorting people on their walk home in a dangerous nighttime setting.
🚓Providing physical safety while you wait for authorities to arrive.
💪Extra protection for when authorities deem a threat to not be legitimate.
What would you be willing to pay for this kind of service💵? Does your town even need it? Let us know in the comments!
911 Basics📞🚨:
When your situation requires more than just an app, 911 is still the best option. Just remember the basics as you dial 🧠. Remain calm, be able to accurately identify your location, and listen carefully to what the operator requests of you. If you are unsure if your situation warrants an emergency number call, we compiled a list📃 that can provide some clarity below.
Things that do & don’t qualify as a 911 emergency:
✅Do: In progress crimes🏃♂️. If you are a victim or witnessing a life-threatening crime, step one is to remove yourself from the threat, step two is to call 911. Don’t hesitate
✅Do: loss of consciousness😴: If someone loses consciousness and remains unresponsive for 60 seconds, it’s time to dial the emergency number.
✅Do: Serious car accidents🚗.If you are involved in or witness a car accident that results in a serious injury to a passenger, dial 911.
❌Don't: Minor crimes that have already occured🔎. The emergency number is for active emergencies. If the danger has come and gone, consider holding off on dialing 911.
❌Don't: Nuisances🐕. Incidents such as loud neighbors, barking dogs, and other non-threatening inconveniences.
❌Don't: Minor car accidents🚙. If you are involved or witness a car accident that did not result in serious damage/injury, the emergency number is not likely a great fit to help you deal with it.
Just because something might not warrant a 911 call, does not diminish its importance. Non-emergency numbers are better suited for anything in the “Don’t” category. Unfortunately, there is not a universal non-emergency number in the U.S.😐 however there is a directory available for non-emergency numbers that can be found here.
Pun of the week😂:
My wife said a large fly was buzzing around our bedroom and told me to go kill it. I rolled my eyes 🙄 and said she should call 911. She asked why.
I responded: So they can send the swat team. 🤣
What & Why 🤷♂️🤔
What🤷♂️: Hornet 2 - Mini Stun Gun W/ Alarm
⚡High voltage stun capability
🔦LED light to illuminate any area
🔋Rechargeable with charger included
🔑Keychain accessibility
👴Lifetime Warranty
Why 🤔: Defend yourself while alerting others
A strong stun is a good way to fend off aggressors. The Hornet 2 takes it from good to great with its ability to alert others near you. Its piercing alarm can alert people that you are in danger from up to 300 feet away. Plus it fits right on your keys 🔑😎.
Meme of the week 🖼
Do your best not to be this guy 👆