Nine Police officers undertook sign language training

Local Police officers undertake sign language training with [sonus], a local charity working with deaf people.

Nine Police officers undertook intensive sign language training from 10am to 4pm each week day between 5th March and 16th March 2018.

The course culminated in each candidate undertaking an examination, consisting of three mandatory units; receptive, descriptive and conversational skills.

All candidates were successful and have attained their iBSL Level 1 in British Sign Language.

All of these officers have now embarked on Level 2, which will enhance their skills even further.

Liz Jones CEO of [sonus] said ‘this is a fantastic initiative which gives deaf people the opportunity to communicate directly with their local Link Officer, [sonus] is proud to be supporting PLOD (Hampshire Police) to enhance and improve access to the deaf community’.

PLOD:  stands for ‘Police Link Officers for Deaf People’ and Link Officers hold qualifications in British Sign Language and will use their skills to assist in enquiries and provide advice and information.

Inspector Gabe Snuggs, Tactical Lead for Deaf Access Hampshire Constabulary commented: “Police Link Officers for Deaf People aim to promote, enable and deliver equality of access to the police to people who are Deaf, deafblind, deafened and hard of hearing and we are delighted to be working with [sonus] to increase the number of Link Officers in 2018/2019”.

 

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