PHARR, Texas — Andy Harvey, chief of police in Pharr, Texas, has found an innovative way to engage with his community by launching the first podcast of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. The podcast is called "Police on Air" and is hosted by Chief Harvey himself.
It’s not easy to produce a podcast. It requires coordination, planning, and, of course, good content to offer, but for Chief Harvey, it’s all about a way to serve.
"We don’t want to be perfect, we just want to have a conversation. I think in the first episode, I knocked down some water or whatever. It’s OK, we just want to connect and be real,"said Harvey.
In the podcast, he features not only factual and useful information but does it in a fun and lighthearted way. For his co-host, Officer Steve Guerrero, this is a unique opportunity to be seized.
"A year ago, I never saw this coming, you know? Fortunately, Chief Harvey brought this to fruition. Has given a whole new meaning to policing in the community,"said Guerrero.
Chief Harvey is new to social media content and audiovisual production, but he is clear on why he launched the podcast.
"We have to use technology to our advantage. These days, if we’re not doing it, we’re really missing," he said.
Once the "Police On Air" podcast starts recording, the chief is a natural. He balances the seriousness of police information with frankness and likability, as any experienced TV person would. His goal is not only to entertain but to be transparent.
For 22 minutes, he and Guerrero talk about what occurred in the week, what his officers are doing or if they’re looking for somebody. He is ready to discuss difficult and controversial topics about police involvement but also talks about unusual and interesting videos about Pharr or the police force. In addition, he has guests in the studio.
Chief Harvey and Officer Guerrero also shared that other police departments throughout the state have reached out to them and are thinking of doing the same after "Police on Air’s" success. The podcast will soon be available everywhere podcasts are available. For now, listen to the podcast on Pharr Police Department’s YouTube channel.