Citizen Launches $20/Month Safety Service

Citizen Launches Premium Protect Subscription Service

Following extensive testing involving over 100,000 beta users, Citizen is now officially releasing its Protect service to all users. This premium subscription is priced at $20 per month and unlocks a range of enhanced functionalities within the application.

Key Feature: "Get Agent" Access

A central component of the paid features is the “Get Agent” button. This provides users with direct access to a trained Citizen operator in various situations. The company highlights this feature as a resource for users who might prefer not to contact 911 directly.

The rationale behind this offering encompasses concerns regarding personal safety and other considerations related to contacting law enforcement. These agents function as intermediaries, connecting users with emergency services when needed.

Past Controversies and Current Availability

Citizen’s history has been marked by several controversies that have often overshadowed its core features. Initially launched as “Vigilante,” the app garnered attention earlier this year for deploying a private fleet of rapid response vehicles and offering a reward related to a Los Angeles wildfire investigation.

The app is currently operational in 20 cities across the United States. The new Protect Mode service is available today for iOS devices, with an Android version currently under development.

Protect Agents: Trained Safety Experts

“Our Protect Agents are highly trained safety experts equipped to assist in a diverse array of stressful or uncertain circumstances,” states the company regarding the new service. “They tailor your experience to your specific situation.”

Agents can escalate situations to 911, relay precise location data to first responders, notify designated emergency contacts, guide users to safety, or maintain continuous contact until the user feels secure.

Introducing Protect Mode and AI-Powered Monitoring

Another significant addition is Protect Mode, which provides rapid access to a live agent. When activated during a potentially dangerous situation, the app actively monitors the user’s audio feed.

Utilizing AI, the system detects sounds like screams, automatically initiating a connection to an agent. If the user doesn't respond, the app will automatically connect them. Users can also quickly access an agent by shaking their phone twice.

Concerns and Historical Context

A recent job posting suggests the service aims to function as a panic button application, similar to offerings like Noonlight. However, questions persist regarding whether Citizen is the most appropriate provider, given its past issues.

The app, originally launched in 2016, faced a ban from the App Store due to concerns about encouraging vigilantism – a concern arguably justified by its initial branding. Even after rebranding and expanding beyond New York, the app has continued to attract scrutiny.

Past Incidents and Response

Earlier this year, Citizen expanded its crowdsourced crime-spotting network to include branded vehicles patrolling Los Angeles. A source described this as an attempt “to create a privatized secondary emergency response network.” The company later clarified that it had no immediate plans to expand the service beyond its initial pilot program.

In the same month, the CEO offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a person suspected of starting a Los Angeles wildfire. The service subsequently apologized for mistakenly publishing a photo of an innocent individual, which garnered over 800,000 views. “We deeply regret our mistake and are working to improve our internal processes to prevent this from happening again,” the company stated.