Number of staff using sign language has doubled

SOUTH Yorkshire Police has doubled the number of its officers and staff specially qualified to help members of the public who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The force’s Police Link Officers for the Deaf (PLOD) initiative increased its members from 19 to 37.

Eighteen officers, staff and PCSOs passed their Level 1 British Sign Language (BSL) qualification last month.

PLOD members aim to improve communication with the public by helping the deaf community, offering information, advice and support through sign language, and can offer colleagues communication support when necessary.

The new members were presented with their Level 1 award by Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Barber at a ceremony on Tuesday 24 January.

Detective Inspector Jude Ashmore congratulated the new members for doing “incredibly well” in learning the basics of BSL.

“We hope this initiative will increase visibility within deaf communities, keeping people safer and increasing confidence in the police,” said Det Insp Ashmore.

“We are truly breaking down communication barriers thanks to our PLOD-trained colleagues and are confident that the initiative will ensure members of the deaf community are not excluded or disadvantaged when coming into contact with the force.

“We hope members of the deaf community will call upon a member of PLOD if they ever need to contact South Yorkshire Police.”