In recent days, the United States has been embroiled in numerous fires and protests in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody. Millions of Americans have joined in demonstrations held in different cities in several states. The various Black Lives Matter movements have led to the development of a local crime and safety app as a critical tool for tracking ongoing protests and crime. 

Citizen, an upstart smartphone app created by sp0n Inc, has seen over 620,000 new users in the country in the past week, according to analytics by Sensor Tower. The app, which uses police-scanner communication and citizen reports, grants users access to real-time 911 information on demonstrations and emergencies in the local area. 

Functions

Citizen was created to help keep communities safe by providing residents access to information that is updated in real-time. It also aims to foster a bond between the city and the authorities. 

New users sign up by providing their phone numbers and location within a city. Through the app, users could report incidents-including robbery, missing persons, and ongoing protests. The reports would be shared to all Citizen users nearby. The app also displays information on commotions, such as road closures and police activity. The data of crimes and emergency situations are collected from scanner communication among first responders. Individuals nearby can also submit videos of the incident that can be recorded using the in-app camera.

History and Controversy

Sp0n Inc. first launched the New York City-based app in 2016 under the name Vigilante. The app was designed to give citizens a view into the 911 system as well as ensure greater transparency in emergency-response environments. 

However, the NYPD objected to the app, claiming crimes should be handled by authorities. The objection led Apple to remove the app from its store due to violations of the tech company's policies. 

Sp0n Inc. reworked and relaunched the app as Citizen the following year. The startup has reportedly raised more than $60 million and has roughly four million users. 

Some criticized the app over "fear-inducing content." It also drew backlash after it restored a tool that allowed citizens to report incidents by uploading videos. Some claim the video feature may contribute to racial profiling.

There were also instances where information displayed on the app was incorrect. Emergency situations can differ from the initial data collected from 911 calls and communication between the authorities and first responders. 

Citizen's staff members moderate the app's content. Users are also allowed to correct inaccurate information. 

While the company does not sell its user data to service providers and government agencies, it does disclose user information if subpoenaed during a police investigation under the federal law.

Citizen is free to download and is free to use. The company is developing paid features, but no further details have been released. 

Citizen: Connect and Stay Safe can be downloaded from Apple's App Store and from Google Play.

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