MODEL POLICY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ON COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

TECHNIQUES FOR OFFICERS TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

• Officers may utilize the following auxiliary aids, when available, to communicate effectively:

  • --Use of gestures;

  • --Use of visual aids;

  • --Use of a notepad and pen or pencil;

  • --Use of a computer or typewriter;

  • --Use of an assistive listening system or device;

  • --Use of a teletypewriter (TTY);

  • --Use of a qualified oral or sign language interpreter.

• Officers must review and have a working knowledge of the publication Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:  ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers.  This document reviews how officers should communicate effectively in the types of situations officers will encounter.