Police Win Organisational Achievement Award

Story from Borehamwood and Elstree Times.

Hertfordshire Constabulary won a prestigious organisational achievement award for their commitment to bridging the communications gap between deaf and hearing people.

The prize was received by Hertsfordshire Constabulary as part of the annual Signature Awards at Crowne Plaza in London, which recognise outstanding contribution towards a society in which deaf and deafblind people have full access.

Collecting the award on Thursday, November 12, were Detective Constable Beccy Driscoll, Sergeant Debbie Jackson and Detective Sergeant Linda Cullin-Moir, who spearheaded the Constabulary's work in this area throughout 2008 and 2009.

Ms Driscoll said: "The work we have undertaken to overcome communication barriers to date has been challenging, though well received and has proved to be effective in our day to day service delivery."

Deaf awareness training, the introduction of link officers who aid communication between deaf and hearing people and the launch of the Emergency SMS number providing equal access to emergency services for all were among initiatives that helped scoop the award.

Inspector Ian Tycer, responsible for improving Hertfordshire Constabulary's Quality of Service, also attended the event.

He said: "We have qualified British Sign Language officers across the county available to communicate with deaf people."

Jim Edwards, Signature chief executive, said: "Many police forces across Great Britain are starting to improve the ways they serve the needs of deaf people in the community who may be victims of crime or involved in the criminal justice system.

"Hertfordshire Constabulary's commitment and innovation has really led the way. They thoroughly deserve this award.

"This year's awards have been a huge success. Our winners very much deserve all the praise they have received. More than 200 nominations were made across all categories and all our finalists deserve credit for their achievements.

"We're already planning next year's event and look forward to hearing about more people and organisations that are really making a difference for deaf communications and deaf people across the whole of the UK."

The Constabulary's Emergency SMS number for equal access to emergency services is 07786 207091.

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