ALERT Notification Service
Indianapolis, IN - January 30, 2008
The Indiana Department of Correction, in partnership with the Indiana Sheriffs' Association, is launching a new automated system to alert residents living near a state correctional facility of public safety emergencies. The new ALERT Notification Service will keep residents informed of prison escapes as well as any potential environmental hazards.
To be notified of an alert, residents must first register for the service. To register, call toll-free 866-949-2537 and provide your phone number-cell numbers are acceptable-and the facility's ZIP code. In the event of an escape, all registrants will receive detailed information about the escapee, including a physical description and the time of the escape. The automated calls will also relay specific information on other emergencies that could impact nearby homes.
"This continues our commitment to ensure the safety of citizens living near one of our adult and juvenile facilities," said Department of Correction Commissioner J. David Donahue. "We work very hard to keep our facilities safe for everyone. This new service makes it possible for us to alert citizens at a moment's notice if problems arise."
"The ALERT Notification Service will also benefit both the community and the correctional facility," added Donahue. "As residents receive offender descriptions, they can be the additional eyes and ears that can help us locate a missing inmate."
Prior to the new service, correctional facilities relied on the news media and local law enforcement officers to get the word to nearby residents in an escape. In some cases, emergency sirens would be used to notify citizens of an emergency. The new service is funded by a Federal grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Media Contact:
Doug Garrison
Chief Communications Officer
Indiana Department of Correction
317.232.5780 - Office
317.903.7045 - Cell
dsgarrison@idoc.in.gov
