In a few days, police personnel in Kozhikode will speak a different language – that of sign language.
People with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or verbally handicapped, often find it difficult to communicate with the police whenever they have to seek help from law enforcers, and vice versa. Kozhikode city police have solved this problem by training some personnel in sign language. The program, the first of its kind in the state, which began on Tuesday, includes a two-day workshop and a 14-day certificate course in sign language for about 100 police personnel.
“we have Most of the police stations were made handicapped friendly, However, the features (introduced) are mostly related to the infrastructure, such as the chairs. This (training) program will add more meaning to it”, said assistant commissioner of police (special branch, Kozhikode city) KL Umesh, who is coordinating the programme, which was inaugurated by city police commissioner A Akbar on Tuesday.
valid in court
Since the statements of those who cannot speak are considered valid evidence in court, police officers are also obliged to record their statements. Police often rely on the services of experts in this field for this purpose. With this programme, at least four personnel in each police station in the city will be equipped to communicate with people with verbal disabilities and record their statements.
“This is the first time such an attempt has been made in any district of the state. This will strengthen the relationship between the police and the public, and contribute to the friendly image of the force”, the commissioner said.
setting a standard
The program is being implemented in collaboration with the Composite Regional Center (CRC) for Persons with Disabilities at Chevayur. “This program will help people with disabilities to communicate effectively with the police. CRC Director Roshan Bijli said, I am hopeful that this wave will spread across the state as a pilot project and then spread to the entire country. This training is being done by the teachers and students of Ability Arts and Science College.
Shri Umesh further recalled the various programs that started in Kozhikode and spread across the state like ‘Our Responsibility to Children’ (ORC) project, School Protection Group (SPG), and Vigilance Committees, and expressed the hope that this program will also Will play a role in making all police stations in the state handicapped friendly.