BISHOP'S STORTFORD: Police learn to use sign language

4:26pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

A BISHOP'S Stortford police community support officer has completed her training for communicating with deaf and blind people.

Amy Phelps is one of 11 Hertfordshire Constabulary police officers and PCSOs to successfully train as link officers for the deaf.

Having undertaken assessments in their knowledge and use of communication skills, including learning to use the British Sign Language Fingerspelling, the Deafblind Manual Alphabet and the Block Alphabet.

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 within 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 the community, whatever the circumstance."

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