Nick Iannelli, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – U.S. Park Police are touting an electronic information system meant to notify and warn throngs of people heading to the inauguration ceremony Monday.
According to Sgt. Paul Brooks, the so-called “Nixle” text message program will relay important, sometimes critical, details directly to cell phones.
“It is all about notifications throughout the day that will assist people in the most up-to-date information,” says Brooks.
The system is simple enough — just text the word “inauguration” to “888777” and you will receive real time alerts immediately.
Brooks explains, “It’s going to touch viewing area openings and closings, any type of missing persons that may have been reported, any type of road closures, serious crimes or weather-related concerns.”
Knowledge is power for authorities monitoring hundreds of thousands on the National Mall and along the parade route, and they are utilizing cutting edge technology to deliver the latest.
“When we get it, you get it.”
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
