Washington, D.C., Launches Crime Text Alerting System

October 17, 2008 By News Report

The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced yesterday the launch of DC Police Alert, which enables the MPD to send crime alert text messages in real-time to businesses about crimes committed in their neighborhood. The launch was held at the mayor's press conference at PNC Bank in Georgetown.

Through the Roam Secure Alert Network (RSAN), the MPD are able to send real-time crime information via e-mail and text messages to cell phones, Blackberry, pagers and other devices to businesses to help deter crime and catch criminals. RSAN is a product of Roam Secure Inc., DBA Cooper Notification.

To be aware of crimes and help protect their organizations, business owners and employees can subscribe to DC Police Alert for free by submitting their contact information and registering their business address. The 72hours.dc.gov Web site provides one-stop shopping for preparedness information and is the site to sign up for Alert DC emergency and DC Police Alert messages. Once on the site, users can click on the Alert DC logo and register for the program.

When a crime is reported in their area, MPD officers will send a text message via e-mail and cell phones to participating businesses, alerting them that a crime has been committed and providing them with a description of the alleged perpetrator. Business users should call 911 with relevant follow up information.

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