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The “I’m Getting Arrested” app was created by a software developer in Brooklyn as a way to help protesters at the Occupy Wall Street rally or anywhere in the United States. The protester loads up the app and types in a message, like, "Hey, if you're receiving this, it means I've just been arrested down at Zuccotti Park. Feel free to come bail me out ASAP."

The protester then loads in a distribution list—anyone from friends to lawyers—and if police are bearing down and seem to be ready to slap the cuffs on, it's just one button click and the protesters contact list has been informed that he or she is getting arrested.

"I'm Getting Arrested" is an Android-only app right now and it’s free. The developer is said to be working on an iPhone version.

vSOS:

A similar, much more powerful app called “vSOS” is designed to alert loved ones and authorities in case the user is in serious danger. It’s just become part of the FBI's National Child ID program.

The app can be downloaded as a free 30-day trial, and with the single touch of a button, the user can send a pre-programmed message to any five contacts. Pay the $12.99 per month service fee, though, and that's where the app can turn a smartphone into a serious lifeline for help in an emergency.

Under that plan, no matter where the user is in the world, they can hit the button and instantly an alert goes out to an International Emergency Response Coordination Center with the individual’s GPS coordinates. That center will then either contact you to determine the best way to help or just send help through a search and rescue feature if the person can't be contacted.

vSOS is available for iPhones and Androids.