FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WHAM) — Sometimes it feels like everyone has a podcast. Now, the Fairport Police Department is getting into the game in a new way to keep the public informed.
The idea of a podcast is not new to Fairport Police Chief Matthew Burns. Initially, this was conceived as a way to get local celebrities to speak about their experiences in and around the area. But after the violent riots in Rochester in May 2020, Burns said he saw firsthand how people viewed police and wanted a way for rank-and-file officers to be heard.
“I don't think street cops or beat cops or just regular cops had a voice,” Burns said. “So we think podcasts give ordinary police officers a voice,” he said.
In “Copcast,” anything other than public investigations is up for discussion. Burns said he is interested in hearing from others in law enforcement and the community. He also wants people to see those who serve others in a different light.
“Let's give our officers a voice and let people know who we are. We're more than just people in blue uniforms,” Burns explained.
Some Fairport Village residents are open to the idea of police having a platform and say transparency is important.
Fairport resident Barry Childs said, “I think any kind of communication can improve a relationship. If you don't know the other person and you can't see them, you might believe all the bad things that are said to you.'' Ta.
Burns told 13WHAM that the next episode will wrap up in the coming weeks and will focus on the border. Retired U.S. Border Patrol agents also participate in the show.
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