When seconds count, count on Shepherd Shield.
Shepherd Shield is a mobile app for use on iPhone. When a subscriber is in an area, familiar or not, the Shepherd Shield alert system provides a real-time threat assessment based on a color-coded alert index: green, yellow, orange and red, the highest.
Shepherd Shield alerts are issued when a subscriber comes in close proximity of a threat area, as determined by information obtained from law enforcement, emergency services, news reports and predetermined threat areas.
The app’s debut in 2017 is in Washington State. Eventually, expansion is planned to the other 49 states, throughout North America and in other countries.
Shepherd Shield users have a customized choice of categories, including high crime areas, active shooter alerts, terrorist threats, weather emergencies, and the addresses of registered sex offenders. Data can be viewed individually, as lists, and by using a map feature. Enable/disable the functions as you choose. There is also a “report” function so a subscriber may contribute information.
In the worst-case emergency, such as an active shooter alert, the app would issue an alert warning.
A user can pre-set their “Top 5 Safety Spots” such as a school, office building, etc., and should an alert happen at one of those spots, the user’s Shepherd Shield app would automatically send notice.
The app includes a “Call 911” button and an “SOS” button which calls the 24/7 Shepherd Shield dispatch center (located in the USA). A user needs to have a cellular connection to make such a call.
The app has been developed for Security Services Northwest, Inc., a multi-dimensional security company headquartered on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula.
“It’s about personal security,” says Joe D’Amico, SSNW President and owner since 1986, who started his career with a German Shepherd security patrol dog. As the father of five children, D’Amico started Shepherd Shield with the idea of protecting campus safety.
“Shepherd Shield is your own German shepherd, your personal protector, in your pocket.”
============================Disclaimer============================
* The purpose of this application is to provide the user with alerts based on the security threats around them. This app is not intended be used as a primary security response application in the event of a threat.
* This application makes use of the user location. This may, in turn, affect the battery performance of the user device. The user can turn off the Follow Me option if they want to turn off their location services.
This app has worked great for several months. I get regular alerts (but currently only supports Washington state, I believe). More recently I have been getting an upgrade request that never seems to go away when I launch the app, but I still get the alerts which is the most important to me. I don’t see using the app in an emergency situation, since I can call 911 much quicker on my phone. However if using this fledgling app supports further development I think it is worth while.
Developer Response
Hello, After reviewing your rating of the Shepherd Shield Mobile App we have made some adjustments to improve the quality and enjoyment for our users. Please take the time to review the app again and forward any feedback to info@ssnwhq.com. Thank you! Respectfully, Team Shepherd Shield
Worked for two days
Rockinhorse01
The app worked fine for two days. Now Every time I get an alert and try to open the alert I get a message that says my subscription has run out and I need to update. When I click on update it takes me to the install page. If I click on anything it just acts like it’s refreshing and nothing happens. Alerts are pretty much useless if you can’t get details.
Didn't have any data for my small city
Sashazur
Maybe this works in big cities but in my city it showed no crime info at all, and the only resources listed were a handful of businesses in northern WA. Zooming in on the heat map just makes the blobs smaller, and nothing crime related ever shows up on the map. Given the lack of historic crime data, I wouldn't rely on this for alerts.P. S. I know the app description says as of 2017 it only worked in WA state. I'm not in WA but it's 2018 now and the app itself didn't say whether or not it would work in my area. If it doesn't, it should show a message stating that explicitly.
Developer Response
Hello Sashazur, thank you for your review. Please call us at 877-220-8129 with any questions you may have about the Shepherd Shield App. One of our team members would like to walk through the app with you to explain how it works and what it can do for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
Well it was helpful
KAC1974
However, the price to be able too see anything after the free subscription is silly. I get alerts, but can't see them. I understand not all functions would be available with a free version, but none at all? Sorry, had to delete. Bummer, because I liked this app.
Developer Response
Hello, After reviewing your rating of the Shepherd Shield Mobile App we have made some adjustments to improve the quality and enjoyment for our users. Please take the time to review the app again and forward any feedback to info@ssnwhq.com. Thank you! Respectfully, Team Shepherd Shield
New features are rolling out to help you stay alert and connected.
• Real-time Safety Alerts on Interactive Map
View live safety alerts around you on an interactive map with clear severity indicators—Critical, Medium, Low, and Safe.
• Find Friends & Shepherd Shield Users Worldwide
Easily locate your friends and other Shepherd Shield users across regions and countries in real time.
• Rally Points for Emergencies
Create and manage Rally Points to assemble during emergencies. Track active and inactive rally locations with ease.
• Chat, Voice & Call Connectivity
Stay connected with friends and packs through secure chat, voice messages, and calls—right when it matters most.
• Saved Alerts for Quick Access
Save important alerts and revisit them anytime. Filter alerts by severity to focus on what matters to you.
• Location-Based Safety Alerts
Save and monitor locations you care about—home, school, workplace, or travel destinations—and receive relevant safety alerts for those areas in real time.
• Improved Navigation & User Experience
Refined UI, smoother navigation, and enhanced performance across Home, Map, Alerts, Friends, and Packs.
Version 5.1
The developer, Security Services Northwest, Inc., indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Used to Track You
The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:
Location
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
Location
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Security Services Northwest, Inc.
Size
112.8 MB
Category
Reference
Compatibility
Requires iOS 16 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 16 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 16 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 16 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 13.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
Apple Vision Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
Location
This app may use your location even when it isn’t open, which can decrease device battery life.
Languages
English
Age Rating
4+
4+
This app has an age rating of 4+ with content restrictions. Some content may be rated higher, but access is managed by the developer through in-app controls.
