Ohio just rolled out a brand-new app that takes the old “see something, say something” idea and cranks it up with artificial intelligence. The state is pitching it as a way for everyday Ohioans to quickly share suspicious activity with police. But some folks are already asking: does this make all of us neighborhood spies?
How the App Works
The new tool is called Safeguard Ohio, and it’s the first of its kind in the country. Instead of filling out a clunky online form, you can now whip out your phone, open the app, and upload photos, videos, or even audio recordings of something you think looks suspicious.
From there, the report goes straight to the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, which has people watching 24/7. If it’s serious, they’ll pass it on to the right local, state, or even federal agency.
The app uses AI prompts to nudge you along as you type, asking questions until you’ve got nothing left to add. Governor Mike DeWine says this makes it quicker and easier for people to share tips, and officials hope the extra details will make investigations stronger.
Users can pick from categories like drug activity, terrorism, human trafficking, school threats, or crimes against kids. Once you file a report, you’ll get a QR code so you can add follow-up info later if you need to. The app also works in 10 languages, from Spanish to Somali.
Why People Are Nervous
On the surface, Safeguard Ohio looks like a faster way to share safety tips. But privacy advocates see some red flags.
- Who keeps all this data? The app says reports are anonymous, but photos and videos often carry hidden info about where and when they were taken—and sometimes even details about the device that uploaded them.
- What counts as “suspicious”? If the AI keeps prodding for more, people might start uploading things that don’t actually amount to crimes—like kids hanging out in a parking lot or someone walking late at night.
- Could it be misused? Once reports exist, there’s always the risk they could be pulled into civil disputes or used against someone on shaky grounds.
Other Tech, Same Worries
This isn’t the first time technology has blurred the line between safety and surveillance.
- Cities like Columbus and Cincinnati that use ShotSpotter—a system that listens for gunshots—have seen false alarms and complaints about over-policing certain neighborhoods.
- At Walmart and other retailers, AI cameras at self-checkouts flag “suspicious” behavior. But sometimes all it catches is a customer accidentally missing a barcode, sparking false accusations.
- Police have also used heat-sensing devices to find marijuana grows or locate hostages. That tech saved lives in emergencies, but it’s also been used just to count how many people were in a house—sometimes to check up on folks on probation or parole.
The Double-Edged Sword
Officials say the app isn’t a substitute for calling 911, and the AI will even tell you to dial if it detects an emergency. Still, the bigger question is less about the tech itself and more about how it’s used.
Used responsibly, Safeguard Ohio could help catch real threats faster. But without transparency and clear limits, it could also slide into a tool for spying on your neighbors.
For now, the state wants you to download it, try it out, and help watch for trouble. But one thing is certain: Ohio may have built the first app of its kind, but the debate over safety versus surveillance is just getting started.
