SANDPOINT — The sheriff’s office and three police departments in Bonner County are launching a community information service that can instantly alert residents of emergencies, road closures and other important information.

The service, developed by Nixle, sends alerts to personal computers, mobile phones and handheld devices.

It’s akin to the social networking Web site Twitter, although Nixle bills itself as a secure way to deliver reliable information to the public.

There is no spam or advertising with Nixle’s service and participating law enforcement.

“We do not capture their information and it’s secure,” said Undersheriff Bob Bussey. “Our main interest is if we have a situation, we want people to know about it.”

Along with the sheriff’s office, the Sandpoint, Ponderay and Priest River police departments are also embracing the new technology.

Nixle can be used to advise motorists of road closures, send out Amber Alerts, warn people of incoming hazardous weather and let parents know if school is letting out early or starting late.

Sheriff’s officials are reaching out to businesses, other public agencies, school districts and other law enforcement agencies and encouraging them to make use of the service.

If an Alzheimer’s patient or a skier at Schweitzer Mountain Resort comes up missing, for instance, a photo of the person can be uploaded to Nixle and distributed so people can be on the lookout.

Subscribers will automatically receive alerts, although they can choose whether or not they wish to receive advisories or community notifications. The service is free, although text message rates can apply.

Nixle has been adopted by hundreds of law enforcement and other public agencies throughout the nation. It was implemented in Bonner County at no cost and did not require the purchase of additional computer hardware or software, Bussey said.

“It’s really a leap forward for us,” he said.

• For more information, visit www.bonnerso.org or www.nixle.com