# Community-Powered Vigilante Apps 'Citizen' Enables Individuals to Report Crimes in Their Area By Ell Smith | Published 2017-09-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vigilante-app References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/citizen-app-crime-sequoia-san-francisco-12-million-series-a/) & [citizen](https://www.citizen.com/?utm=mobile-only&_branch_match_id=439133277357661065) The New York-based [crime fighting platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protector-app) formally known as the 'Vigilante' app has expanded to San Francisco, offering everyday citizens the opportunity to make a difference within the community. The app, now known as 'Citizen' is described as a "[citizen-powered public safety](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neigbordrop) web to combat the bystander effect." Essentially, through this platform, citizens can report crimes that pose public safety concerns. In cities like New York and San Francisco, citizens aren't always made aware of common crimes, like bike thefts or verbal assailants, so this app offers a more streamlined means of ensuring people are informed of the ongoings of a community. Additionally, the app can send [geographically significant crime updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/locationchecker), offering community members a citizen-powered approach to public safety concerns. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Community-powered Crime Reporting:** The 'Citizen' app allows citizens to report crimes and contribute to public safety in their communities. - **Streamlined Crime Awareness:** Citizens can stay informed about common crimes in their area through the 'Citizen' app. - **Geographically Targeted Safety Alerts:** The 'Citizen' app provides real-time crime updates based on users' locations, enhancing community safety. ### Who This Affects Most - **Safety and Security:** The 'Citizen' app presents an opportunity for companies in the safety and security industry to leverage citizen reporting and data to enhance their solutions. - **Mobile Applications:** The success of the 'Citizen' app demonstrates the market demand for innovative mobile applications focused on community safety and crime reporting. - **Community Engagement:** Organizations involved in community engagement can explore partnerships with the 'Citizen' app to empower citizens in crime prevention and awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative Policing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/policing-app.md) - [Proactive Police Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/police-apps.md) - [Wildlife Trafficker-Thwarting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildlife-traffickerthwarting-app.md) - [Community Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beezle-social.md) - [Social Digital Nomad Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citizen-remote-app.md) - [Employee Abuse-Reporting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abusereporting-app.md) - [Crowdsourced Wildfire Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-watch.md) - [Personal Safety Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-n-case.md) - [Personal Security Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protector-app.md)