Henderson residents can get free email, text alerts on crimes

A computer service referred to as "Neighborhood Watch on steroids" was launched Tuesday in Henderson to inform residents about nearby crimes almost as soon as they occur, the service's co-founder said.

Keli Wilson, with AlertID.com, said her organization has partnered with Henderson police on the project. Wilson said the organization is directly tapped into the department's crime reporting system and will alert residents of specific incidents as quickly as possible.

"It's an additional tool for Neighborhood Watch that allows users to be able to communicate in real time."

Wilson said the service, which is free, allows users to choose the area they wish to monitor by selecting a location as a base point.

The website at http://www.alertid.com allows users to log in and customize their needs. Customers can receive reports on incidents happening up to three miles from their base point. Customers also can pick specific crimes they want to be alerted to.

Wilson said a user can choose any locale, from their workplace to their child's school.

The service also can alert its users by sending email and text blasts when a crime is occurring near them. Wilson said the service is important because users will know when to be vigilant.

The partnership did not cost Henderson police anything, Wilson said, adding that the service eventually will make money through community and private sponsorships.

Wilson said more than a dozen law enforcement agencies have signed up for the service in Northern Nevada. The Metropolitan Police Department is considering using the service, as are other police agencies from other states, she said.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.