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August 17, 2004

New PLODs for Somerset East (Somerset East)

From: Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UK - Aug 17, 2004

Somerset East Police have two PLODs to help forge good relations with the deaf community.

Sergeant Steve Christopher and PC Alison Norman are taking part in the force's Police Link Officers for Deaf People (PLOD) scheme.

They have volunteered for the role and are receiving deaf awareness and sign language training.

They have also been issued with special mobile phones which have a textphone software package which means it can work as a mobile Minicom which has been developed by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.

Sergeant Steve Christopher said: "I have studied some British Sign Language which gave me an insight into the issues faced daily by the deaf community.

"We value our role within all our communities and I believe that volunteering for PLOD is a positive step to improving our service to the deaf community. "

PC Alison Norman added: " Being the mother of profoundly deaf four year old I have come into regular contact with the deaf community and have become aware of the problems they face in trying to contact the emergency services.

"I am sure PLOD will greatly improve the service we are providing to the deaf community."

© 2004 Avon and Somerset Constabulary