Text scheme will help deaf people contact police
A text messaging service which allows residents who are deaf or have speech impediments to contact police was launched last week.
The system, which has so far proved successful around the country, aims to improve access to police services and has seen staff at Hertfordshire Constabulary's contact centre trained to help residents with disabilities.
Police chiefs took the decision to introduce the texting scheme, in conjunction with National Deaf Awareness Week, following consultation with the Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service and communication workers at Hertfordshire County Council.
Borehamwood PCSO Claire Morris has completed a nationally-recognised qualification and learned to use British Sign Language finger spelling, the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, and the Block Alphabet, in order to communicate with deaf and deafblind people.
Superintendent Rob Henry, head of contact management, said: "Some other forces across the country have already begun using this system and we are keen to make maximum use of technology to ensure everyone has access to our services.
"We have put together information leaflets about this new method of contacting us, which are being distributed via support groups and newly-trained Link Officers for the Deaf and deafblind across the county."
To contact PCSO Morris email claire.morris@herts.pnn.police.uk or send a text to 07786 207 091.
Comments
Hi
Does the London Metropolitan Police have a sms number for the Deaf community to call for blue light response? I have called the met and they do not know!! They are getting back to me!!
Posted by: Rosey Levens | January 19, 2009 10:03 PM
I know of a new service in the States called The Panic Alert. When a deaf person presses one button on their cell phone, it automatically goes to a central station, which has your name, address and emergency contacts. The Central Station, just like a home alarm, will dispatch the police and notify your family members. I think the website is www.thepanicalert.com
Posted by: gary Parks | February 22, 2009 12:02 AM