NEW ROADS — The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Office officially launched its new pursuit alert system this week.

On Thursday, Sheriff Rene' Thibodeaux unveiled the software that will give the community real-time alerts when emergency vehicles are responding nearby. The service is free, Thibodeaux explained. 

All of the office's patrol units are equipped with the software. 

Thibodeaux said that the system is being implemented to keep highways in the parish safe.

Pointe Coupee Parish residents can register for alerts here or use apps like Digital Siren or Waze to receive updates in their area.