The Manlius Police Department is now offering a community information service for public safety alerts.

The department will now be using Nixle, joining the Camillus Police Department as the only other agency in Onondaga County to use the service.

The service aims to inform residents of important public safety alerts — things like road closures, breaking news crime tips, community events or other advisories.

“We’re still working out some of the kinks,” said Captain Brian Ackerman. The department signed up for the service at the beginning of February. “We’re in the beginning stages, where we’re making sure we’ve got the people available to put the stuff in [Nixle] and get it done right.”

The way Nixle works is simple — town residents, concerned citizens or anyone interested can put their information into the notifying system. You can choose text or email messages, and when the agency has posted a new update, that message gets sent out to those who have signed up. Signing up and registering with Nixle is free.

Manlius decided to use Nixle after an officer attended a conference where the information on the service was provided. Camillus’ effective use of Nixle was part of the department’s decision-making, Ackerman said.

The department is now encouraging residents to sign up for the service. The department will be making some changes administratively, as to decide who will send out the alerts. Late information, Ackerman said, is not good information.

“The key is timely information, that’s critical,” he said. “If it’s about a road closing and it’s a day or two late, it’s not going to do anything good.”

Interested parties can go to nixle.com, type in Manlius’ zipcode to find the police department and sign up.

The service is provided to police agencies at no charge.