The Boca Raton Police Department recently implemented a new communication tool designed to deliver vital information to residents in real time. Nixle is similar to Twitter, but was created specifically for law enforcement agencies.
“We can send e-mails or text messages to subscribers and give them information about a road blockage, evacuation, predator in the area or anything else of importance,” said public information officer Mark Economou.
Residents enter their address when signing up for the free service and will receive pertinent information for their specific area.
“It can be as pinpointed as a street, or we may send city-wide blasts,” said Economou. He also said residents need not worry about being sent information continuously, which would defeat the purpose.
“We will not send things of little importance, as that may lead to people ignoring the message,” said Economou.
The service is free, but text rates do apply. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com/boca-raton-welcome.html.