Nixle will be used to release missing person alerts, amber alerts, and CAPS information. Weis says recipients will not receive constant updates and don't have to worry about an influx of text messages.
"We'll put something out when we think it's important and when we think it's going to be beneficial to both the recipient, and also to us, in terms of sending out that information," said Supt. Jody Weis.
Weis is also encouraging people to visit the department's Facebook page for news and information on the Chicago police.
There is also a blog on the police department's Web site. Police force members can post messages to Weis, and authorities say he will respond.
