PLOD urges officers to be deaf aware

The Police Link Officers for Deaf People (PLOD) is urging senior management to make sure their officers are aware of how to interact with deaf people.

PLOD says that many deaf people are concerned about interaction with Police Officers, especially after the London bombing events, and fear they may not hear an officer giving a “stop” instruction – and that their non-compliance may lead to dire consequences if firearms are involved.

A communication bulletin has been sent to forces across the country detailing training to give to officers.

This includes:

• Awareness – if someone is not responding to instructions, it may be because they are deaf, consider this during incidents

• Don’t rely on voice commands to get someone’s attention. Move into their line of sight, or tap them on the arm

• If wearing sunglasses, take them off, eye contact is important for communication

• A deaf person may indicate they are deaf by using sign language – the sign for this is touching the ear with index and middle fingers, then pointing at themselves

• Officers can ask if someone is deaf by pointing at their ear with index and middle finger, then pointing at the person while raising eyebrows

• Deafness is not visible, not all people wear hearing aids, lip read or use sign language

• When talking, do not exaggerate mouth movements, do not mask your mouth and do not shout. Be patient and if all else fails, write notes

• Keep notes straight forward & to the point. Word order in British Sign Language and English is different. If necessary, draw pictures.

• *If you are evacuating an area – use hand gestures (like directing traffic) to guide people away from the danger.

• Take time to communicate. Many deaf people will not benefit from public address systems and so may have no early warning of danger or public information.