FAQ's
When should I use iWitness?
Any time you find yourself in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, iWitness should be engaged… recording video and audio directly to the cloud.
Can my attacker just take my phone and destroy the captured video and audio?
No. If the video and audio data is captured, it has already been recorded safely to the cloud. There is nothing that the perpetrator can do to delete or tamper with this data.
Should I tell an attacker what iWitness is doing?
Absolutely. You should also tell perpetrators that the police are coming, and that evidence against them has been captured. Doing so may help stop them in their tracks, because it’s in their own self-interest to disengage.
Can a child use the product?
As a general rule, if a child is capable of operating smart phone applications, he or she should be capable of using the iWitness app.
Do I have the right to capture video of someone?
Simply capturing video of another person – something that’s done millions of times a day by millions of people – is perfectly reasonable behavior.
What if my attacker follows through with the crime, even knowing that video is being captured?
If the altercation continues, law enforcement may have the evidence it needs to capture and prosecute your assailant. You should tell an assailant that video and audio have been captured and are untouchable.
How does iWitness compare to other self-defense strategies?
Only iWitness offers you ALL of the following features:
Records video directly to the cloud and tracks your GPS location in real time
Initiates a 911 call
Instantly notifies up to 6 personal emergency contacts that you feel endangered… and asks them to call you.
Turns on your phone’s flashlight while recording
Sounds a loud alarm
Allows you to manage your recordings
Wouldn’t I be safer carrying a gun?
Millions of people do exactly that. But law enforcement personnel often report cases in which perpetrators take guns, tasers, or other weaponry from their victims, and use them to escalate the crime. iWitness provides the one thing that many criminals fear most, a witness to their actions, so confrontations can be discouraged without the inherent uncertainty and risk of deadly force.
What if I’m attacked from behind, so iWitness can’t get a picture?
iWitness doesn’t just capture video. It also captures audio and GPS coordinates, and dials 911. So even in a case where imagery of a perpetrator’s face isn’t captured, other important data is. In some cases, this data could include other people in the area who may be potential witnesses to the incident.
How affordable is iWitness?
The iWitness application can cost as little as $2.09 per month, depending on the subscription plan you chose.
What phone and software version do I need to use iWitness?
Most smartphones today will support iWitness. Both Apple and Android app stores will provide any necessary information regarding software versions during the purchase process.
Won’t I be attracting attention by using this?
Perhaps, but that could be a good thing. The (optional) light emitted by your flashlight may convince a potential perpetrator that you are paying attention to your surroundings, making you a less desirable target.
How much battery will this app burn when in use?
Many variables affect battery burn, including it’s age and how many apps you have running. So before using iWitness, you should check to make sure your battery is adequately charged.
What happens if I accidentally call 911?
When you tap or shake your phone while recording, you will get a 911 dial screen asking you to make or cancel the call. If you ever dial 911 by accident, just stay on the line and tell the operator that everything is all right. 911 call centers are very understanding of these types of calls. If you hang up, they will simply call you back, which takes more of their time – so please stay on the line.
In certain situations I may not be sure if I should call 911 or not. What should I do?
ANY time you feel threatened, even if you haven’t been recording, and even if there is some doubt in your mind, you should call 911. Your well-being is the most important thing, and the authorities would much rather receive a 911 call that turns out to be nothing than for you to not call and then come to harm.
Does iWitness work everywhere in the US? Does it work in foreign countries as well?
iWitness is designed to work in all parts of the United States. Obviously, the app may not fully function in areas lacking sufficient cell phone coverage. From its inception, iWitness was designed to work internationally, subject to local limitations and conditions.
Do the authorities – i.e. police and 911 operators – know my location, and can they see the video and audio I’ve recorded when I place a call to them?
In most cases, the 911 call center will see your location and know within a short distance where you are calling from. You may choose to share the video and audio you’ve captured with law enforcement authorities whenever you wish.
Can I really take this safety product with me on a plane and into secure locations?
Yes, unlike self-defense options such as guns, knives, and mace, iWitness lives on your phone and can be taken virtually anywhere.