If you have a visual impairment, are deaf or hard of hearing, or find it hard to use the phone
How to contact us if you struggle with our main contact methods.
We have several ways for our deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired or deafblind communities to contact us. You can view this information, and more, in British Sign Language (BSL) on our YouTube channel.
If you don't have a vision impairment, are deaf or hard of hearing, but find it difficult to use the phone to contact us, please consider registering for our direct access line.
Direct access line
This is our registration-only service for anybody who might experience problems using a phone to contact us.
You may be eligible for the service if you:
- struggle to hold a phone for a long time
- have poor memory
- get easily confused, especially when stressed
- find it difficult to communicate
- have a learning disability and need help with daily tasks
You can also register important details and information that may help us in an emergency.
This service reduces how long you have to wait and the person you speak to will already have an understanding of you or your carer’s background.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it's not a replacement for calling 999 if it's an emergency.
To use the system you will ideally be referred by a medical or social care professional. Once registered, we’ll send you details of the dedicated access line number you can use to contact us the same way you would use 101.
If you've been referred to this service or feel you have a genuine need to use it, please complete an application form.
Police link officers for deaf people
We have a number of police officers and staff who act as police link officers for deaf people (PLOD) and are available for advice and information.
Our link officers:
- hold qualifications in British Sign Language
- use their skills to assist in enquiries
- provide advice and information
- don't provide interpreting for evidential procedures
We can also, subject to availability, make use of professional lipspeakers. Ask an officer to contact one if this is what you're used to.
You can contact PLOD here. We're also on Twitter as @HantsPolPLOD.
Further help and support
DeafHope: project run by the Deaf Health charity, specifically designed to support people in the deaf community suffering or at risk of domestic abuse. Includes Young DeafHope for young people.
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