RBPD Launches New Community Alert System

The Redondo Beach Police Department announced Tuesday night at its City Council meeting that it will use the online communication service Nixle to communicate directly with the public.

"We want to re-initiate our use of Nixle, which is a mass-notification program, to allow us to tell people throughout the city what is important to them," Police Chief Joe Leonardi told the council before a member of the police department walked the councilmen through the signup process.

Messages will range from urgent emergency and crime alerts to day-to-day information including traffic advisories, missing persons reports and public safety announcements. The public can also offer anonymous tips via the service. 

"If there is a tsunami warning, and you're on Nixle and you're in the harbor … this is very important," City Manager Bill Workman said.

"(Nixle messaging) is open to any department within the city," Leonardi said. "We anticipate that Public Works, the fire department and other departments that have a need to communicate with the public (will use it)." 

So far, about 1,400 residents have signed up for the service, according to the police department.

Residents can sign up to receive the alerts by visiting redondo.org and clicking on the Nixle link, texting their ZIP code to 888-777, or visiting www.nixle.com.