Record Police Encounters with the Help of Siri

If you are ever pulled over by police, a new iPhone shortcut allows Siri to secretly record the encounter. A new app called “Shortcuts” features an add-on known as “Police”—created by Robert Peterson, a Redditor located in Arizona—which sets off a series actions with only one voice command.

The shortcut works as soon as you say, “Hey Siri, I’m getting pulled over.” Once the feature is activated, Siri turns on the “Do Not Disturb” mode, prevents notifications from coming through, pauses your music, dims your screen brightness, sends a message to a specified emergency contact with your current location, and records the incident through your phone’s camera. When you stop recording, a copy of the video is sent to a designated contact and your iPhone functions return to normal.

Peterson said that many cases boil down to testimony made by police and citizens. While some departments require their officers to wear body cameras, some do not or the process to obtain footage can take a long time. This shortcut provides drivers with an extra sense of security in the event of a traffic stop by law enforcement.

Although the creator claims that iPhone users won’t need to use the app nearly 100 percent of the time, it is a good idea to have it if such a situation arises. But if you are not an iPhone user, there are other apps available to help document police incidents.

The ACLU released an Android app in 2017 called “ACLU Blue,” enabling users to record traffic stops and then share the footage in a forum available to the public. The Google Play store has an app known as “I’m Getting Arrested!” which allows anyone to send a customized alert message with one click.

Have you been arrested in Bryan or College Station? If so, contact our skilled legal team at Shane Phelps Law. today.