This application provides location-based alerts that keep users informed about potential dangers in their immediate surroundings, whether they are at home or on the move. It quickly notifies users of critical incidents such as property crimes, car pursuits, robberies, active shooter situations, and natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. The app helps users stay aware of why emergency vehicles like police helicopters or fire trucks are nearby, enabling them to avoid danger before it reaches them.
Users should be aware that Citizen may share notifications about ongoing crimes before authorities arrive, emphasizing its role in community safety. The app aims to protect individuals and neighborhoods by providing timely alerts. However, users are encouraged to use the platform responsibly and not solely rely on it for emergency response, as it is designed to supplement, not replace, professional law enforcement and emergency services.
The app offers various key features to enhance user safety. It provides real-time alerts about crimes and emergencies at no cost, allowing users to stay updated on immediate threats in their vicinity. Additionally, users can view live videos of ongoing incidents, either from the scene or from different perspectives, to better understand the situation. The app also includes a national database of registered offenders and allows users to be notified if offenders move into their area. Crime trend analysis helps individuals make informed decisions about where to visit or avoid, based on historical crime data. Moreover, the Citizen news segment delivers local stories directly from people on the ground, and the app supports missing person alerts for both loved ones and pets.
Enhanced safety options are available with upgraded memberships like Citizen Plus and Citizen Premium. Citizen Premium offers 24/7 access to Safety Agents who can assist during emergencies through video, voice, or text communication, helping to monitor and manage tense situations remotely. Citizen Plus provides detailed incident reports, access to police and fire scanner audio clips, customizable alert zones, and the ability to define notification radiuses for tailored safety coverage. By downloading the Citizen app, users can feel more secure and informed wherever they go, with additional features designed to provide comprehensive security and community awareness. The app is primarily supported in many major U.S. cities and some areas of Canada, ensuring broad coverage for safety updates.