How One App Is Powering Homeland Security in Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has recently urged all Texans to protect themselves from potential threats to homeland security. What does this mean for you? Let me explain.

Staying Safe From Homeland Security Threats

Texas has asked all citizens to download the free iWatchTexas app as further protection from international threats and potential terror attacks.

Texas Homeland Security Director Freeman F. Martin mentioned that, by utilizing phone apps such as these, law enforcement has a better chance of arriving quickly and disrupting any potential threats.

The main goal of iWatchTexas and DPS is not to spread fear but to allow everyone to stay informed, alert, and ready to speak up.

What is iWatchTexas?

iWatchTexas is an app that offers tools for Texans to report suspicious activity that may include terrorist, criminal, or other safety-related threats.

Because spotting terrorist attacks or plans of violence often go un-reported, DPS urges Texans to take this opportunity to speak up.

Examples of Suspicious Activity

Texas DPS even provides some examples of what activities Texans should report if they see them throughout their day:

• Comments from another about killing or harming someone
• A stranger asking detailed questions about or taking pictures of building security features
• A post on social media about a desire to commit or encouraging an act of violence
• Publicly showing support for a known foreign terrorist organization
• Buying supplies that are used in creating homemade bombs or other weapons without the authority to do so
• Attempting or successfully performing online cyber attacks

This comes after a recent addition to the application that helps fight coercion from foreign threats.

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Texas DPS reminds everyone that iWatchTexas is not meant to report emergencies. These must still be reported to the 911 emergency number.