A BUNTINGFORD police community support officer has become one of 11 members of Hertfordshire police to complete training as a link officer with deaf people. Janet Geach learned to use British sign language, fingerspelling, the deafblind manual alphabet an
A BUNTINGFORD police community support officer has become one of 11 members of Hertfordshire police to complete training as a link officer with deaf people.
Janet Geach learned to use British sign language, fingerspelling, the deafblind manual alphabet and the block alphabet as part of the nationally recognised qualification.
Chief Inspector Melanie Burn, head of the constabulary's diversity unit, said: "The new link officers will be an invaluable point of contact for colleagues in the force in raising awareness of the needs of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
"The aim is to build links and develop confidence and trust with other agencies in dealing with deaf and deafblind members of our community, whatever the circumstances."
The officers were assessed in their knowledge and use of communication skills with deaf and deafblind people as part of the constabulary's commitment to providing equal opportunity of access to policing services.
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