Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced the launch of a new video podcast designed to provide the public and prospective police officers with a look “Inside the NYPD.” Video and audio editions of the podcast series, called “Inside the NYPD,” are accessible through the official web site of the New York City Police Department and are available to iPod users via the iTunes service.

“The Police Department recognized early-on the popularity and utility of the iPod, arguably the most ubiquitous personal appliance there is after cell phones,” Commissioner Kelly said. “We were the first big-city agency to introduce audio podcasts to interested listeners, and the debut of our video edition now gives the public even more information about the country’s largest law enforcement team.”

The inaugural video podcast of “Inside the NYPD” features a six-minute episode about the NYPD Harbor and SCUBA units, with its members talking on-camera about their work. Monthly episodes will profile other Department commands and initiatives.

The Department began audio podcasting in September 2005. It also began providing Police Academy courses on iPods to recruits earlier this year, to reinforce traditional classroom instruction.

“Inside the NYPD“ can be found online at www.nyc.gov/nypd.