Gwent Police has launched a new crime prevention DVD aimed at Britain’s Deaf community.
The force teamed up with the British Deaf Association to produce the DVD after an idea by one of its inspectors.
Inspector Kevin Childs had worked with the British Deaf Association and local community groups in the past and found there was a lack of support for the Deaf community.
He said: “The DVD is an ideal solution to the issue of delivering suitably accessible advice. It will include a number of short scenarios providing simple crime prevention advice to be considered when at home and when out and about.”
He lworked with the community groups regarding the DVD’s content and applied and received funding from the Association of Chief Police Officers for its production.
Inspector Childs is also in the process of rolling out Deaf PACT (Police and Communities Together) meetings out across the force area.
Four successful pilots have taken place since the first was introduced in Blackwood in December 2008.
He added: “The PACT meetings provide a perfect opportunity for the police to listen to the community, advise them how we can be contacted and tell them about the services we have available to them, in an environment they are comfortable in.
“I am hopeful that by implementing the PACT meetings, as well as having officers who use sign language, and the use of the DVD, satisfaction and confidence among the Deaf community will improve,”
Jeff Brattan-Wilson, Senior Deaf Advocacy Officer, British Deaf Association Wales, said: “British Deaf Association is delighted to see that Gwent Police is actively engaging with the Deaf community in Gwent.”