POLICE PODCASTS CONNECT WITH THE MASSES

One month after the launch of Canada’s first police podcast, Saanich Police are driving public safety to new heights

Saanich, BC, September 16, 2008 – The Saanich Police department has added a new tool to its communications arsenal: Podcasts (audio or video recordings delivered over the Internet).

Just one month after the launch of Saanich Police’s new podcasts, the innovative police department has published more than 30 audio and video clips, which have been served out to members of the community nearly 4000 times. The clips are categorized into 6 different podcast “feeds” ranging from surveillance videos of crimes, to real-time media updates published via cell phone by public information officer, John Price.

“This is proving to be a very valuable communication tool, and we’re getting some great feedback.” Says Sgt. Price. The podcasts have received 97% positive feedback in a rating system built into their website’s podcast player.

Saanich Police’s dedication to keeping the community informed of public safety issues motivated Sgt. Price to contact local podcast experts at DailySplice.com in Feburary of 2008. “Using the tools developed by DailySplice, we are now able to speak directly with the community and media through our website.” Sgt. Price sometimes even uses his mobile phone to call in new releases on site. In only a few minutes, the call-in media releases become available on the Saanich Police website, where he then refers local media.

“Policing and podcasting are a perfect match.” Says DailySplice CEO, Rian Bowden. Bowden would like to see all the local police departments in BC getting online with podcasts, creating a province-wide media network of public safety information. “One day people will naturally rely on police websites for law enforcement and public safety information—the Saanich Police are the first to realize this and are providing a great model for other police departments.”

For more information on please contact the Saanich Police or DailySplice:

Saanich Police (Sgt. John Price, Public Information Officer)
Phone: +1 (250) 883-0857
Email: jprice@saanichpolice.ca
Web: http://www.saanichpolice.ca/podcasts.html

DailySplice (Rian Bowden, CEO)
Phone: +1 (250) 885-5303
Email: rian@dailysplice.com
Web: http://splicestations.com (info on Splice Stations) or http://dailysplice.com (Main site)