BPD to Begin Utilizing Text and Email Notification Service

The Bedford Police Department will use the Nixle Community Information Service in order to provide Bedford residents updates on "important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology," according to an Oct. 26 press release from BPD. 

The new communication service will allow residents to sign up to receive these updates directly to their cellphone via text or to their inbox via email, as well as accessed online.

"Messages may include road closures, emergency situations or severe weather alerts as well as other relevant safety and community event information," according to the press release. 

The new system will supplement the increased social media presense BPD has been trying to foster.

“We already get information out via Twitter and Facebook, but not everyone uses those," said Officer Marc Saucier, one of the Department’s two Information Technology Officers. "Almost everyone has a cell phone and this is just another way for us to get important information out to the community.” 

Alerts can be sent out only to residents within a quarter mile radius to where any particular event occurs, and residents can also select which town agencies they want to receive updates from, according to the press release.

Residents of Bedford and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com or by texting their zip code to 888777.