Hampshire police learn sign language to help deaf people

The British Sign Language (BSL) course, run by Sign For Thoughts, was funded by police and crime commissioner Donna Jones.

The training aims to break down communication barriers with victims and witnesses who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Police receive BSL training to improve communication with the deaf community. (Image: PCC Communications team) BSL-trained Sergeant Matt Jones said the course had already proved beneficial during a domestic abuse incident involving a deaf family.

He said: "Drawing on what I had learned, I was able to provide clear guidance to the attending officers, helping them understand best practices for communication with the people involved and what to avoid, especially since they were not able to sign themselves."

Ms Jones said: "When someone reports a crime, there must be clear and effective communication between the victim and the police.

"Deaf people need to have the same level of access to their policing service as everyone else."

Sergeant Lee Bishop, who helped organise the training, said: "This initiative is a small but significant step towards better serving the deaf community and fostering a closer relationship."

The force introduced Police Link Officers for the Deaf in 1999 to improve interactions with deaf people. They hold qualifications in British Sign Language.