The Conyers police announced a new direct communications service to send messages to the public.

The system, called Nixle, allows the CPD to create and deliver messages to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s website, www.nixle.com. There are no spam messages associated with the service but standard text messaging rates do apply.

"Nixle is a tool we’re excited about using because it furthers our efforts to create transparency in the Conyers Police Department,' said Chief of Police Gene Wilson in a released statement. “This service is similar to the crimemapping.com service we enacted last year in that residents are often curious about what’s going on around them and this way they can receive the information directly from the police department in an efficient manner.”

The system was opened to local businesses earlier and is now available to the public at large.

Examples of messages residents can receive include, “Parker Road closed due to icy conditions” or “Robbery occurred today at 1 p.m. at XYZ Store. Suspect is white male, 5’ 8”, 160 pounds, wearing a blue coat and sunglasses.” Residents may also be informed of important meetings as well as other relevant safety and community event information.

Other agencies in the metro Atlanta area using Nixle include Cobb County Government, the city of Smyrna, Atlanta Police Department, Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Sandy Springs Police Department.

Residents can immediately begin receiving information via text message or email by registering at www.nixle.com.