I.F. Police Department using app to send alerts
The Idaho Falls Police Department is making it easier for you to find out when something is happening in your neighborhood. They’re partnering with a social media network called “Nextdoor.” It will not only alert neighborhoods, but it is also a way for neighbors to communicate with each other.
“Neighbors can communicate about anything from I need a babysitter Friday night, to my dog’s lost help us, to who has a lawn mower guy?” Holly Cook, Public Information Officer for IFPD, said.
All you have to do is sign up, verify that you live in your neighborhood and start communicating. The Idaho Falls Police Department says it’s a great way for neighbors to keep in touch.
“Neighbors can talk to each other about not only things that deal within their neighborhoods, but it provides a resource for them to start their own neighborhood watch program,” Cook said. “It allows them to get more information. And more information is always better when it comes to crime and safety.”
Safety is the main reason for bringing “Nextdoor” to Idaho Falls. Law enforcement will use it to send out alerts in your neighborhood if there is something important happening you need to know about.
“Now the law enforcement community, our fire department, police, and even our public works, can do outward communication only,” Cook said. “Which means we can send you safety alerts, we can send you if there’s going to be road construction in your area. We can send you a lot of information. That doesn’t mean that we can see the information that you’re saying with your neighbors.”
The app keeps the alerts concentrated on your neighborhood.
“So if something’s happening clear across town, they don’t need to worry about it unless they’re signed up for alerts that have to do with all of Idaho Falls,” Cook said. “They get alerts for their neighborhood only and get to stay in contact with their neighbors as well.”
So far, there’s about 2,300 people in Idaho Falls using the app. IFPD is hoping to see at least 6,000 residents signed up by the end of the year. They plan to start sending out alerts beginning in March. You can find more information about Nextdoor here.
