Work With Deaf People Rewarded

Story from Police Professional.

Hertfordshire Constabulary's commitment to bridging the communications gap between deaf and hearing people on its beat has been recognised with a national 'organisational achievement' award. The annual Signature Awards recognise an organisation in the public, private or voluntary sector which, through leadership or endeavour, has made a significant contribution to achieving a society in which deaf people have full access.

Hertfordshire Constabulary, already recognised for its diversity work at the Chief Constable Awards in 2008, has made a huge impact on the local deaf community.

The force has brought together technical investment and staff training to make sure deaf citizens have full access to the police in times of their most acute need. In particular, this latest award recognises the force's initiatives such as deaf awareness training for staff, the introduction of 'link officers' who aid communication between deaf and hearing people and the launch of the emergency SMS number last May, providing equal access to emergency services for all.

Detective Constable Beccy Driscoll, Sergeant Debbie Jackson and Detective Sergeant Linda Cullin-Moir, who spearheaded the force's work in this area throughout 2008 and 2009, collected the award.

DC Driscoll said: "It is a great honour and fantastic recognition of the constabulary's achievements to be acknowledged by Signature in making a significant contribution to a society where deaf people have full access. 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."

Inspector Ian Tycer, responsible for improving Hertfordshire Constabulary's quality of service, also attended the awards ceremony held in London earlier this month and added: "Everyone has worked very hard to improve access to the constabulary for deaf people. As well as the emergency text number, we have qualified BSL (British Sign Language) officers across the county available to communicate with deaf people. It is a privilege to be recognised by Signature for our attempts to ensure that everyone can easily access our services."

Jim Edwards, chief executive of the deaf charity Signature, 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."

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