“Racism is not getting worse. It’s getting filmed.” – Will Smith

America and multiple countries are outraged and seeking justice over the police brutality that goes on in America. Many are protesting, signing petitions, emailing or calling local governments and doing their best to educate themselves on Black history and how to support marginalized communities. 

Although the video of George Floyd is extremely hard to watch, it was a catalyst to opening up the eyes of Americans to police brutality. People are saying enough is enough. People are protesting and demanding change. The Supreme Court has gone back and forth on police reform: offering a few changes but not enough to satisfy activists. Not enough for justice. 

Companies and social justice leaders are working tirelessly to come up with resources and ways to combat police brutality. One brand that always thinks out of the box might be onto something. 

Enter Apple.

Created in 2018, but gaining more traction now, Reddit user RobertAPeterson produced an iPhone app that can auto-record your police encounter. When you speak into your phone “Hey Siri, I’m getting pulled over”, the shortcut will record a video and share your location with a trusted hand-selected contact in your phone. 

Many times when you get pulled over, there is no time to think properly. No time to text someone your location or what’s happening, and no time to record a video. The app is the solution to this and a way to protect ourselves. The police will no longer be able to spin stories as the app acts as a personal body camera for any user that activates it. 

Below is how to set it up.

1. Install Apple Shortcuts app
2. Settings > Shortcuts > Allow Untrusted Shortcuts (The shortcuts app is outside of Apple’s own gallery, meaning it’s third-party happy and hasn’t been vetted by Apple to add to your phone so you must allow the app to download in the first place. 
3. Add “I’m getting pulled over” shortcut 
4. Scroll down to the bottom and tap “Add Untrusted Shortcut”
5. Select the contacts you want the shortcut to send your location to 

We suggest you run it once in a safe environment to get familiar with the app. This really does work.