Bainbridge Island residents can now get instant alerts about the Bainbridge Island Police Department.

The department has joined Nixle, a mass notification system that is used by more than 4,600 police departments and government agencies across the country.

“Nixle is a reliable tool that provides direct communication from public agencies to its citizens, as well as safety tips and local crime information” said Bainbridge Island Police Commander Sue Shultz.

“The ability of islanders and visitors to react to severe weather warnings, evacuation orders, school alerts, traffic impediments and other critical information depends on the accuracy and the immediacy of the information they receive,” Shultz said.

City officials said Bainbridge’s public works division is joining forces with the local police department so Nixle subscribers can stay up to date on other kinds of information that’s important to islanders, including traffic alerts and road closures.

Residents can get updates by dialing 888777 on a cell phone and sending a text message of “98110” to register. Citizens can also sign up at www.nixle.com to tailor how they will get updates; via text message, email, mobile application or the internet. Messages include a priority level so users can immediately judge the urgency upon receipt.

Other cities that currently use Nixle include Port Angeles, Kirkland, Everett, Monroe, Snohomish, Tonasket and Raymond.