Apps Designed for Recording Police Encounters

Apps specifically designed for recording police encounters — and informing or reminding civilians of their rights during a police encounter — have started popping up in order to promote positive interactions between police and civilians. While there is still much debate about whether or not police officers should wear body cameras, a civilian app can serve as a solid alternative for recording any interactions. Here are some of the most popular apps for recording and getting advice on any encounters you might have with the police.

Hands Up 4 Justice
This app is available for $0.99 cents from the Play store. It is designed to offer a discreet way to record any police encounters that you might have, and it also offers advice on how to behave during those encounters. Some features include: cloud storage for videos, setting your front or rear camera for default use, adding an emergency contact that will be informed of any recorded videos, and the ability to connect the app to a Dropbox account. However, this app receives criticism because, while great in theory, the app still has a significant number of glitches and missing key features. One major flaw for users is that the app cannot automatically upload any recorded videos to YouTube or a social media account. This can present a serious issue if your phone is taken from you or damaged when you experience a negative or unfair encounter — or worse — and must rely on your phone’s recording as evidence.

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Legal Equalizer
This is one of the most popular free apps available in the Play store. Like Hands Up 4 Justice, it can record any encounters with the police that you may have. Unlike the previous app, Legal Equalizer focuses more on your rights as a civilian, and informs or reminds you of what you should say, how you should behave, and certain laws to keep in mind. While this app also has its glitches, it offers a stream-to-cloud recording option, in addition to sending any recorded video to three emergency contacts and the ability to find you a lawyer.

Mobile Justice
Available for free from the Play store, Mobile Justice allows you to download an app that corresponds with the state you live in. Through this app you can record a video of a police encounter and send it immediately to the American Civil Liberties Union of your state. You can also receive notifications of other users who are witnessing an incident, or report an incident that you’re witnessing. Like the other apps mentioned, Mobile Justice reminds you of your rights as a civilian, whether you’re in a police encounter or witnessing an incident.