Residents in Pike County can utilize a new text alert system to keep informed of key events with the sheriff’s department.

Sheriff Russell Thomas explained the new text alert system and why his office decided to put the system in place.

“We just want to keep the public informed,” Thomas said. “This is tool to help better inform the public.”

The system can send notifications by text or email and includes updates such as jail bookings and releases, additions to the most wanted list, notifications of sex offender registrations and more.

The sheriff can also send other pertinent messages as the need arises.

The text alert system will use either a five-digit short code (96167) or a ten-digit telephone number (470-219- 3777).

To sign up for alert notifications, to change your current subscription or to unsubscribe from alerts, go to www.pikecountyalsheriff.com/alerts_signup.php

The Pike County Jail is also introducing its new inmate money account company, Vendengine, and they are offering a simple way for family members to add money to an inmate’s account through a web-based program. This program will allow family members to add money from their homes instead of having to come to the jail. This will also make it easier for those who live out of state.

This money is used to buy personal hygiene items, co-pay for doctor and dental visits, snacks, paper, stamps and other assorted items. The website will host all of the inmate names and will be able to be accessed 24 hours a day.

To add money to an inmate’s account, go to www.pikecountyalsheriff.com, click on the public forms tab at the bottom left of the screen, and click on inmate commissary account deposit. That will open a new tab. Then, just click on the first letter of the last name and that will start the deposit transaction.

To provide feedback, let the sheriff’s office know by sending an email directly to pcso@pikecountyalsheriff.com or by calling (334) 566-4347.