The national 999 emergency text number is available for use in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight but you must register first. Click here for more information on this service.
Click here to view our PLOD British Sign Language (BSL) videos.
When Did PLOD Start?
Whilst studying British Sign Language Stage 1, Sergeant Glen Barham first considered that access to the police for deaf and hard of hearing people could be improved. Sharing his views with Sergeant Lynne Fanton, the idea of the Link Officers was born.
After meetings with members of the deaf community in October, 1999, Hampshire Constabulary launched Police Link Officers for Deaf people … or PLOD for short!
Since then, the Link Officers have been working with other police forces to promote Link Schemes, and already there are PLOD schemes set up in Guernsey, Avon & Somerset and Link Officers in the Metropolitan Police (selected Boroughs). West Midlands Police have a scheme inspired by Hampshire's PLOD scheme entitled "Deaf Community Police Link Officers".
Click here to see the contact details of those involved in PLOD.
Why have PLOD?
Police Link Officers for Deaf people aim to promote equality of access to the police for people who are deaf, deafblind, deafened and hard of hearing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We recognise that access means much more than how you get into a building or up the stairs! Access includes access to information and access to service. Whether you use Sign Language, Deafblind Manual or Lipread, the Link Officers are available to assist.
As well as being available for advice and information, the Link Officers also work to improve access to other areas of the constabulary with special projects … such as the Custody Project and Emergency SMS Text Service – see below for more details.
Emergency SMS (Text) Service - 999
Deaf and speech impaired people across the two counties can now text for help in an emergency using 999.
Deaf people and those with a speech impairment will be able to contact all four emergency services by texting one number, from anywhere in the country. Please note you must register to use this service.
Police Link Officer for Deaf people, Sgt Glen Barham, who has been involved in developing the system, said: “Hampshire Police Link Officers for Deaf people provide an excellent service for the deaf community, but it is not suitable for emergencies. This new service is a big step forward in improving access to the emergency services for deaf people across the country.”
This is an important service. Hampshire Constabulary will take action against anyone misusing the system or sending false texts.
To register simply text 'register' from your mobile to 999, and follow the instructions. For more information visit www.emergencysms.org.uk
When texting the emergency controller, REMEMBER:
What? What is the problem.
Which? Need Police, Fire Rescue, Ambulance, Coastguard.
Where? Give name of road and townPlus more information like: House number; or Outside Post Office; or Near Bus Station.
Interpreters
Police Link Officers for Deaf people are not Interpreters. The Officers will use their skills to assist in enquiries, provide advice and information or gain early information to the best of their ability, but they do not provide interpreting for evidential procedures.
Sign language users:
For evidential procedures, such as taking statements from witnesses or victims, interviewing deaf suspects or a Deaf person acting as an Appropriate Adult for a hearing juvenile, the police should engage the services of an independent qualified Interpreter wherever possible.
Hampshire Constabulary engage CACDP registered BSL Interpreters – Members of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters.
Lipreading:
If you are used to using professional Lipspeakers, Hampshire Constabulary can (subject to availability) engage the services of a qualified Lipspeaker for evidential procedures. Ask the Officer to contact a Lipspeaker.
Interpreters and Lipspeakers for evidential procedures are paid for from public funds. This means that deaf people do not have to pay for the use of an Interpreter.
What is an emergency?
When:
- Life is at risk;
- Crime/Trouble is happening now;
- Someone is injured or threatened;
- Person committing crime is near;
- There is a fire or people trapped;
- You need an ambulance urgently;
- Someone in trouble at sea.
Emergency contact numbers
Here are the contact numbers for Hampshire Constabulary. These numbers are for emergencies within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Hampshire Constabulary will pass emergency calls to Hampshire Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service and to H M Coastguard.
- Minicom numbers are for Textphone Users
- Special telephones used to type to another textphone user
TextDirect for Minicom UsersEmergency Relay Service 18000
Police 24 hour Fax 01962 874201
Emergency SMS – Mobile Text Service 999*
Emergency Voice Calls 999
It is important with SMS Text 80999 to also try other ways to contact the Emergency Services.
* No text messages are guaranteed to arrive quickly. We rely on the Mobile Phone Companies and the Network. Hampshire Constabulary cannot be held responsible for delays in receiving messages. You will know your message has been received ONLY when you get a reply. Until you get a reply, try other ways to contact the Emergency Services.
Non emergency contact numbers
Here are the non emergency contact numbers for Hampshire Constabulary for deaf people and speech impaired people.
Non Emergency Minicom: 01962 875000
Non Emergency Fax: 01962 874201
Hampshire Constabulary's work with central Government has been instrumental in developing the national solution to emergency access for for deaf people and speech impaired people, due for implementation in the near future. This has resulted in international attention for the PLOD scheme/SMS, with contact from countries as far a field as Singapore, Australia, and America.
"When access is right, there follows communication. It is only when we communicate that we can truly understand each other"
