The Bogalusa Police Department now has a new communications tool, and anyone with access to email or text messaging can sign up to get the news.

“Nixle Connect connects public safety agencies to their residents via text and email so residents can be informed of important notifications,” said Chief Joe Culpepper.

Communications can range from emergency alerts to weather and traffic advisories, DWI checkpoints, missing persons reports, safety tips, crime information, community event notices and other public safety information. 

“Although this service is primarily for law enforcement we have partnered with city government so any and all pertinent notifications can be sent out,” Culpepper said.

Since last week Maj. Edward Gomez has sent out weather alerts, urged seatbelt usage, sober driving and not littering, and let residents know the payment feature on the city website was temporarily unavailable.

Culpepper said it’s easy to get connected.

“Nixle is a free program for public safety agencies,” he said. “When you enroll from their website, you can choose to get emails only or email alerts as well as a text message sent to your cellphone. You can enroll just your cellphone by texting your zip code, 70427, to 888777 then respond to the prompts.”

Nixle Connect is used by more than 4,800 government agencies nationwide. More than 700,000 people have signed up for alerts.

For more information visit www.nixle.com or the city website at www.bogalusa.org.