For the City-Times

The Stevens Point Police Department has joined a statewide Crime Alert Network, which allows the agency to quickly alert the public about criminal activity and offers real time notifications for emergencies and missing / endangered persons.

The Stevens Point Police Department has been selected to participate in a pilot program to offer 45-day free trial memberships to residents and businesses.

The system, which is coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, uses email, SMS text, and broadcast fax technology to send alerts and photos directly to people most likely to be affected by a particular crime or most likely to be able to provide information to solve a crime.

The goal is to more quickly identify suspects and apprehend them, as well as provide crime prevention information to the community.

The Crime Alert Network allows Police to simultaneously send thousands of emails, faxes, and SMS text messages to destinations across the area or even across the state. Alerts may be used for crime preventing, apprehending criminals, recovering stolen property, and improving security measures within participating organizations.

The Stevens Point Police Department encourages all residents, businesses and others with a fax machines, email account, or text capable cell phone to sign up now.

To receive a 45-day free trial membership, residents and business should go to the link at  www.StevensPoint.com/police  or  you may call the Crime Alert Network Office at (608) 240-3597 for more information.