DOWNEY - The Downey Police Department has launched a new community notification service intended to deliver important and timely information to residents using the latest technology. Nixle is a secure service that allows the police department to disseminate public safety and community event notifications via web, e-mail, text message and mobile application, effectively expanding the department's community outreach efforts.

Information disseminated through Nixle will generally be specific to the police department, and will range from critical alerts to community news, officials said.

Residents with a smartphone can sign up for text alerts by texting "DOWNEYPD" to 888777. The service is free but standard text message rates apply.

Residents can also register for alerts online at nixle.com or by downloading the Nixle app. Questions or comments should be directed to Jane Guzman at (562) 904-2374 or jguzman@downeyca.org.

********** Published: Aug. 29, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 20