For Immediate Release
October 7, 2008
|
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
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FBI Surpasses 100,000 Subscriptions to E-Mail Alerts
An FBI service that sends out e-mail alerts when breaking
news and information is posted on its national and local
Internet websites recently reached two key milestones:
more than 100,000 subscribers and more than 75 million
total e-mails sent.
The service—launched in October 2006—provides
updates on terrorist threats, missing kids, wanted fugitives,
emerging scams, major cases, and more than 170 other topics
directly to the personal computers, laptops, or wireless
devices of subscribers. About 200 people sign up daily,
and most subscribe to multiple items.
“These alerts put our breaking news and public
safety information at the fingertips of those who want
it and need it, everyone from concerned citizens and the
news media to our government and private sector partners,” said
John Miller, Assistant Director of the FBI Office of Public
Affairs. “It’s a fast, convenient, and effective
way to keep people informed, especially in the event of
a crisis.”
The most popular categories include:
- New e-scams and warnings: 50,000 subscribers
- Common fraud schemes; 48,000 subscribers
- Top Ten fugitives: 42,000 subscribers
- Crime alerts: 42,000 subscribers
- Headline news: 40,000 subscribers
- Crime prevention tips: 40,000 subscribers
In addition to a range of national subjects, visitors
can subscribe to localized updates—press releases,
headlines, and wanted fugitives—from their nearest
FBI field office.
Signing
up is easy. Just click on the red envelope icons found
throughout the FBI’s
main website and
on the websites of its 56 field offices nationwide. No
personal information is required, just an e-mail address
where the alerts will be sent. The sign-up process opens
a full menu of subscription options. When new information
is posted, the FBI e-mails subscribers a summary and a
link to the page that has been updated. Alerts can also
be tailored to arrive in daily, weekly, or monthly digests.
The
FBI offers other technologies to keep the public informed.
In the summer of 2006, it launched news
feeds via RSS
technology on its website; the FBI currently offers 17
such feeds. In 2007, the Bureau introduced widgets
that can be posted on personal web sites and blogs. The
FBI also offers three podcasts, with more on the way.
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