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PODCAST How to

NCJ Number
220869
Date Published
October 2007
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the benefits of podcasts as experienced by the District of Columbia Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).
Abstract
In 2007, the District of Columbia Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), a Federal executive branch agency that provides parole and probation services in Washington, DC, became the first Federal justice agency to add a podcast to its Web site. Although CSOSA still provides community outreach through production of both a monthly radio and television show called “DC Public Safety,” the podcast adds a social media where the agency can further educate the public, policymakers, and the media; and where people can find information regarding public safety, criminal justice, and criminal offenders. CSOSA gives microphone time, not just to administrators, but to rank-and-file employees, current and former inmates, and the public. The podcasts are unedited and give all individuals the chance to say what is on their minds; however, the agency will remove profanity or slanderous remarks. Topics are selected based on inquiries received from the public and the media. The podcast is both easy and inexpensive to initiate; a primer called, “So You Want to Podcast?” is available at www.csosa.gov/Olipa/pubs/-podcast_article.pdf.