Just discovered this shortcut for Siri (iPhone users only).
This shortcut has attracted media attention, in fact, here is an article about it.
When the ‘Police’ shortcut is activated, the following things happen:
- music is paused
- phone set to ‘Do Not Disturb’
- phone screen is dimmed
- your location is determined
- a text messages is sent to a selected address
- a video is taken (may select front or rear camera and video quality)
- the video is saved to a photo album on the phone
- a text with the video is sent to a selected address
- there is an option to upload to Dropbox and/or iCloud Drive
Last summer, I took my son to a local fire station. It is less than a half mile from my home, which is in a fairly nice suburb. The station is on the bigger side and had a regular fire truck, a fire engine, and a hazardous material truck. Attached to the fire station is a police station.
In the attached police station garage, one vehicle commanded my attention. It was a flat black (armored?) hummer that looked like it could drive over and through brick walls. I found myself amazed that a vehicle like this could be useful in the community I live in! Apparently, the SWAT teams use that vehicle.
This is an example of the ‘militarization’ of the police.
The militarization of the police presents a contradiction for gun rights activists that insist on ‘backing the blue’ (which is a common position). Supporters of the 2A know that guns are needed as a last defense against an oppressive government. Well…the police are going to be the ones that enforce any oppression from the government. So why would one ‘back the blue’ when that is clearly arming a potential threat?
Police militarization highlights a contradiction for gun grabbers, as well, in my opinion. How can one simutaneously be in favor of gun control, acknowledge that the cops are targeting and harrassing minorities, understand that the police are arming themselves like an invading army, and then decide that the best course of action is to just let these people be the only ones with guns?
I believe that in order for police to protect and to serve, as is their stated purpose and motto , the police officers and police departments must be accountable to the citizenry. The Siri shortcut, Police, is a tool that citizens now have to hold police accountable for their actions. 😉
