Community service agencies across the country continue to seek ways to keep the public informed. A new program is making that even easier -- and the Lampasas Police Department is participating.

Nixle is the newest electronic process that provides free, up-to-the-minute information to instantly connect police departments, sheriff's departments, municipal agencies and community groups with residents by text message, e-mail or on the Web.

Lampasas became involved when local police were preparing for National Night Out participation.

"We received a package with a brochure about Nixle, and it sounded like a great way to keep the public informed," said Sammy Bailey, Lampasas assistant chief of police.

"Information can go to the public very quickly, and it can keep them informed of important goingson such as detours for road closures, vehicle breakdowns and accidents," she said.

Nixle can assist in keeping residents and police officers safe by making everyone aware of potentially dangerous situations, she added.

In the event of a break-in or burglary, Ms. Bailey said, area residents could be informed through a message sent letting them know to keep their doors locked or take other precautions. "That's just one of the ways it can be used," she said of the system.

Consumers can visit www.nixle.com to register for information and events in locations that are important to them.

Any information posted by law enforcement officials is relevant to a particular local area, she said.

To register, visit the Web site and click on "Register Now -- It's Free and Easy," and fill out the form.