NCJ Number
12253
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 42 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1973) Pages: 2-6
Date Published
1973
Length
5 pages
Annotation
IDENTIFYING COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS THAT ACCOMPANY DEAFNESS, AND UNDERSTANDING HOW TO OVERCOME THEM, IS A BASIC RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MODERN POLICE PROFESSIONAL.
Abstract
IN HIS DAILY ROUTINE, A POLICE OFFICER MAY ENCOUNTER AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IGNORES ORDERS TO MOVE ON BECAUSE OF DEAFNESS. IT IS THE POLICEMAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO RECOGNIZE SUCH AN INDIVIDUAL AND TO DEVELOP A MEANS OF COMMUNICATING WITH HIM, SUCH AS LIP READING OR WRITTEN MESSAGES. THE OFFICER CAN ALSO GET AN INTERPRETER FROM THE REGISTRY OF INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF (R.I.D.), AN ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED TO PROFESSIONALIZE INTERPRETORS FOR THE DEAF. DEAF PEOPLE ALSO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS IN REQUESTING EMERGENCY POLICE AID. IN RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM, THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS DEVELOPED A SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK (EMERGENCY TELEPHONE AND TYPEWRITER SYSTEM - PTTS) WHICH USES TELETYPE MACHINES TO ENABLE DEAF PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY AND PARTS OF NEW JERSEY TO REQUEST EMERGENCY POLICE SERVICE AND TO RECEIVE POLICE REPLIES.