Public Safety Launches New Communication Tool

Scottsdale Police (June 2, 2009) The City of Scottsdale’s Police, Fire and Transportation Management Departments recently started using a new communication tool called “Nixle”, a geographic-based messaging service that will enhance the city’s ability to quickly notify residents and businesses of important news and emergency information. Scottsdale is the first agency in Arizona to use the service.

Nixle is a secure communications platform that allows authorized City staff to send information directly to a subscriber’s wireless device. Scottsdale residents, business owners and media can elect to receive messages as emails, text messages, or over the web. The site allows for the immediate release of time-sensitive information and alerts such as road closures, public safety incidents, traffic delays, flooding, community events and evacuations.

In the ever-changing world of communications, Nixle was determined to be a good fit for two main reasons: cost and security. The service is free for subscribers (standard text message rates apply) and is offered at no cost to public safety agencies and municipalities.

Registering for Nixle is easy. Simply create a log-in by entering your wireless number, e-mail address and the area of town you are interested receiving alerts. Users can rest assured; Nixle does not use your information for any marketing or unwanted solicitations. People who register for the Nixle service can choose to receive secure and reliable messages about public safety, weather, traffic and related information from the City of Scottsdale. Scottsdale residents, or those who choose to register within the Scottsdale area, will also receive alerts specific to their geographically-targeted area via wireless text message, email and/or the web.

To sign-up for Scottsdale Public Safety updates, go to: http://local.nixle.com/register/.

It is important to note that Nixle is intended to provide quick and direct emergency communications . It will not replace traditional methods for two-way communications with the public. Scottsdale Public Safety will continue to utilize the local news media and our enhanced www.scottsdaleaz.gov website to provide detailed and timely information about what's going on in the City of Scottsdale.