WEST WINDSOR: Police add Nixle to communications

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   WEST WINDSOR — The West Windsor Police Department recently added Nixle, another communications service, to the Operation Lighthouse Initiative, which was approved by Chief Joseph M. Pica Jr.
   The police are now using Nixle, along with Facebook and Twitter to send information directly to residents no matter the conditions or situation. Updates, alerts and other information are sent via text message — making communication convenient and easy since cell phones are always close at hand these days.
   Most people have smart phones laden with apps, allowing citizens to receive information via Facebook notifications or Twitter statuses with just a click of a button.
   ”Our goal is to get everyone in West Windsor on these free services so they can stay informed and safe,” said Lt. Robert Garofalo. “We have interacted with thousands of residents and have had an outpouring of gratitude and we want to reach everyone in town.”
   Messages range from road closings so residents can plan alternate routes to important alerts for serious offenders. Lt. Garofalo said that since the initiative went into effect in the summer of 2011, they have pushed out road closings, flooding information, links to valuable federal information during emergencies, press releases and violent offender information.
   Since many people invest in car cell phone chargers, residents are still able to receive information even when their homes are without power and phone service.
   ”Thousands of residents were able to interact with the Police Department to report power issues and get real time status updates as well as video and pictures from the area,” said Lt. Garofalo.
   ”We are hoping that the West Windsor Police Department acts like a lighthouse in times of storms and emergency by providing a clear path of light for safety and security,” he said. “Even though the power is out, the residents can still get communications from West Windsor.”