New technology keeps citizens informed

Local law enforcement communications have made a quantum leap as the Colorado City Police Department brings Nixle online.

Nixle is a government information platform providing up to date information for both government and private sectors, connecting municipal agencies and residents in a real-time format.

“Nixle came out about six to eight months ago by the federal government to allow agencies to disseminate needed information to the community,” said Ron Dooley, Colorado City Chief of Police
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Through Nixle, residents can receive trusted information about events and emergencies which affect their individual neighborhoods, or those of family members in other areas across the United States.

Users choose locations, types of information and even the format for receiving that information. Four information types -- alert, advisory, community and traffic– are available via text messaging or e-mail.
Nixle creates a more efficient communication system, alerting officers and dispatchers simultaneously about emergencies; as well as keeping citizens informed about everything from severe weather alerts specific to the area to upcoming community events.

“We need the public to sign up and be more knowledgeable about what’s going on in their community,” said Dooley.

The system is provided through Nlets (International Justice & Public Safety Network), which is an information sharing network linking state, local and federal law enforcement and justice agencies. Using a commercial frame relay service, Nlets exchanges critical data relating to both homeland security and local situations from toxic spills to traffic stops.
Data concerning motor vehicles and driver’s data, Canadian ‘Hot File’ records and INS databases to state criminal history records can immediately be shared between agencies.

Sign up is simple. Anyone with a cell phone and email can sign up at www.nixle.com.  Use your email and select Colorado City as the primary location. Once the account is active, users can add new locations.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Dooley. “The more people that sign on the more useful it is.”