Binghamton’s City Hall and Police Department are getting tech-savvy when it comes to improving the public safety of city residents and of students living Downtown.

Last Monday, Mayor Rich David announced the implementation of the alert system Nixle, which sends text and email notifications to residents so they can stay updated about public security in their area. The Binghamton Police Department (BPD) signed on with the alert system last week.

Nixle offers free notification services to local police departments and government agencies nationwide. This allows law enforcement to send emergency updates, weather hazards, school delays, automobile accidents and crime to residents, students and educators within a set area.

Binghamton residents can register to receive Nixle notifications for a 10-mile radius by texting their zip code to 888-777, or registering on the Nixle website. Off-Campus Assistant Dean Milton Chester said that students who live off campus should consider using the system.

“Students live in Binghamton, and things that happen in Binghamton affect students,” Chester said. “The app will help them be informed about what’s happening off campus, and make them better able to protect themselves.”

With over 7,000 college students living off campus, Deputy Mayor Jared Kraham said it is important to have alerts regarding public safety delivered immediately and directly to the city’s residents, and added that he hopes Nixle will raise student awareness about local issues and will increase their overall safety.

“Universities are staying on cutting-edge when it comes to public notifications,” Kraham said. “We wanted to keep that positive trend in the city of Binghamton and allow a stronger relationship between city hall and college residents.”

Investigator Carl Smith of BPD agreed, saying Nixle was a good way for the police department to stay in contact with the community.

“We’re trying to use this as another way to reach the community to keep them advised,” Smith said. “It’s another tool to try to get the word out in case of an emergency.”

Kraham said that by providing real-time information to the city’s residents, Nixle would be able to strengthen the relationship between BPD and the Binghamton community.

“It’s important for every government, no matter what level, to be transparent and open with its constituents,” Kraham said. “It lets them know they have a direct line of communication with the police department and city hall without any gatekeepers.”

Karla Valdespino, a sophomore majoring in political science, said she doesn’t feel completely safe living Downtown and would feel more comfortable receiving alerts.

“I would have the satisfaction of knowing that if there’s an emergency I would know,” Valdespino said. “If I’m not getting alerts then there must not be one.”