Police podcast too!

The Italian state police, who publish one of the country's most popular podcasts, are no longer alone. In Garner, North Carolina (U.S.), the town's police officers have taken a more interactive approach to warning shoppers of the dangers of shopping online. They now use video podcasts.

The shows are the department's way of getting news out to a new audience. "I think you hit the younger generation more so this way," says Sgt. Joe Binns. "A lot of them get their news from the Internet, and a podcast is a little more interactive than just reading."

For the six-minute piece, the police department educates shoppers on checking out merchants, using secure sites and canceling credit cards in the event of a breach.

The shows are five minutes long and feature crime-prevention tips and news updates. The idea came up as a way to expand on the television show Garner police officials have been doing. "We're reaching an older generation with the show, but we wanted to reach the younger generation as well," Binns said. "Plus, we basically record the show, and we're done. This gives us an opportunity ... to do something a little more creative."

One of the next show, for example, will continue with the safety theme but will take place in a store parking lot. In the future, those receiving the podcasts will also get a glimpse inside the town's "most wanted" list.