The Cape Girardeau Police Department will use a social networking website, Nextdoor, to communicate law-enforcement information to specific neighborhoods.

Several neighborhoods already are participating in the site, including the Amblewood, San-Dan Northfield, Woodland Hills and Nell Holcomb neighborhoods in the north part of town.

“Having the ability to easily communicate with residents is extremely vital to not only maintaining, but also increasing safety and reducing crime within our communities,” police chief Wes Blair stated in a news release. “With Nextdoor, we can help empower neighbors to keep their communities safe and connected and give them the ability to collaborate on virtual neighborhood watch efforts.”

According to the release, the department will share items such as crime alerts, emergency notifications, safety precautions and tips, details for events and updates on activity affecting the area to Nextdoor websites within Cape Girardeau.

Police will not have the ability to access residents’ contact information or websites.

The Nextdoor app can be downloaded from Apple or Google Play stores.

Pertinent address:

40 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.