Curious about what the Barrie police are up to and how its special units operate?
Well, they’ll soon have something just for you.
Starting in May, the local police service will release monthly podcasts. Co-ordinating with police week, the first podcast will focus on its community safety and well-being team that is part of an overall city plan.
“It’s something we couldn’t do in a media release or a tweet,” said communications co-ordinator Jennett Mays.
The approach, she said, allows for a more in-depth look into some of the service’s activities and the members that are involved.
The community safety and well-being team focuses on community engagement and also looks at high-harm hotspots. They also have a hands-on approach working with businesses and individuals to address concerns and issues.
The police department's canine teams will also be featured. Barrie police has three canine officers who use dogs not just for tracking suspects, but also to help find missing people and detection.
Another will focus on women in policing and the different roles they fill. The tactical unit, emergency support unit as well as the investigative side of policing could also be featured in upcoming podcasts.
“We’re just getting started. We’re looking at doing one a month,” Mays said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”
Mays is focusing on the production and editing side of the podcasts, which will be released on YouTube, while her colleague, Peter Leon, will be in front of the camera lens for the in-house production.
“Not too many police services are doing it. We’re aware of a few others; Toronto and Peel Region are two,” said Leon. “It’s going to allow us the opportunity to showcase the resources that are available in our service.”
Leon said the new Fairview Road headquarters allows the entire service to all be contained under one roof, instead of in different locations as has been the case in the past. That results in more interaction within the force.
The approach is not entirely new to police. Starting in 2017, Leon, then an Ontario Provincial Police officer, appeared in front of the camera for the Simcoe County Case Files series, which profiled local cold cases.
