Miss-Delectable
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Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Sign language course helps police communicate with deaf and deafened (Somerset East)
More than 40 officers and staff have been taught basic sign language to help them communicate with deaf and deafened people across Somerset East.
The course covers the basic phrases and directions that will be most helpful when dealing with the public as well as the alphabet to help learn names. By providing sign language skills it is hoped that officers will be able to communicate more effectively with deaf and deafened people and help put them at ease while dealing with often difficult and upsetting situations.
Over the past three weeks officers and staff from across response, neighbourhood and CID teams have taken part in the training which has been provided by British Sign Language tutors from the Centre for the Deaf in Bristol.
When the course was announced more than 100 people expressed an interest in taking part, with both police officers and staff recognising the importance of good communication in dealing with incidents quickly and effectively. As well as the 40 people who have taken part in the one day course another 39 people have completed a three hour introduction to sign language.
The course has already received positive feedback from people who have taken part. One member of staff from Shepton Mallet said: "It was one of the best courses I have ever been on. Not only did I get a basic understanding and knowledge of sign language but I now have a much greater understanding of the needs of the deaf community."
A police officer based in Frome said: "I wanted to say what an interesting and enjoyable course this was. I was impressed by the trainers and how much they taught us in such a short time."
Taking part in the last of the current sessions, PC Matthew Shaw from Chard Police Station said: "I have dealt with a couple of deaf victims and wanted to be able to communicate better with the deaf people I come into contact with. This session will really help and is something they should teach everywhere."
More than 40 officers and staff have been taught basic sign language to help them communicate with deaf and deafened people across Somerset East.
The course covers the basic phrases and directions that will be most helpful when dealing with the public as well as the alphabet to help learn names. By providing sign language skills it is hoped that officers will be able to communicate more effectively with deaf and deafened people and help put them at ease while dealing with often difficult and upsetting situations.
Over the past three weeks officers and staff from across response, neighbourhood and CID teams have taken part in the training which has been provided by British Sign Language tutors from the Centre for the Deaf in Bristol.
When the course was announced more than 100 people expressed an interest in taking part, with both police officers and staff recognising the importance of good communication in dealing with incidents quickly and effectively. As well as the 40 people who have taken part in the one day course another 39 people have completed a three hour introduction to sign language.
The course has already received positive feedback from people who have taken part. One member of staff from Shepton Mallet said: "It was one of the best courses I have ever been on. Not only did I get a basic understanding and knowledge of sign language but I now have a much greater understanding of the needs of the deaf community."
A police officer based in Frome said: "I wanted to say what an interesting and enjoyable course this was. I was impressed by the trainers and how much they taught us in such a short time."
Taking part in the last of the current sessions, PC Matthew Shaw from Chard Police Station said: "I have dealt with a couple of deaf victims and wanted to be able to communicate better with the deaf people I come into contact with. This session will really help and is something they should teach everywhere."
