Text messaging service launched
Tuesday, 03 June, 2008
From left to right, David James from the Independent Advisory Group, Nicola Rouse from the Communication Support Unit at Hertfordshire County Counci, Emergency Text Messaging Call Taker Angie Homewood, Link Officer for Cheshunt Rebecca Watson, Link Office
A text messaging service to enable people who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary was been launched during National Deaf Awareness Week.
The system is one of a range of initiatives aimed at improving access to police services and has been introduced following consultation with the Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service and the Communication Support Unit at Hertfordshire County Council.
The Constabulary's Contact Centre staff have been trained to use the new system and have been receiving Deaf awareness briefings to assist them with delivering this service.
Head of Contact Management, Superintendent Rob Henry, explained, "Some other forces across the country have already begun using this system and we are keen to make maximum use of technology to ensure everyone has access to our services.
"We have put together information leaflets about this new method of contacting us, which are being distributed via support groups and newly-trained Link Officers for the Deaf and deafblind across the county."
