Waterloo police partner with smartphone app for alerts
by Nela Lass
September 19, 2020
Iowa – Waterloo’s police department is using a new smartphone app to keep residents informed about emergencies in their neighborhoods.
The department has partnered with Atlas One, a location-based safety program available on Apple and Android phones. Waterloo is the first Iowa city of use the app.
The app can send reverse 911-style messages to residents based on their location and preferences.
“Suspect vehicles, missing children, walk aways from nursing homes — we can push that out right away,” said Maj. Joe Leibold.
Residents who download the app can sign up to receive alerts for certain areas, addresses or the city in general. They can also sign up for alerts based on their location at the time.