Devon police spread the word on YouTube

Police in Brixham, Devon, are to broadcast films about their work on YouTube. The videocasts will be put out monthly

The videocasts will give information about the neighbourhood policing team, the work they do and how the public can contact them. In the first broadcast Brixham-based Sgt Dave Casley introduces new PCSO Paul Martin to the local community.

YouiTube will also be used to appeal for information about crimes and ask locals about policing priorities. Sgt Casley said he came up with the idea while looking at YouTube himself. "We are always looking at new ways to engage with people in the local community to fight crime and provide reassurance. As well as reaching youngsters this will be a great way to connect with hard-to-reach groups, such as those who are housebound."

The films are being made by the officers themselves and Sgt Casely hopes they will become more ambitious in time. "The one we have up at the moment is fairly simple but in future we hope to include film of community events and interviews with members of the team."

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