The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has officially launched its new sign language video relay service on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This initiative is part of efforts to improve communication access for the Deaf community and coincides with National Sign Language Week, running from March 17 to 23, 2025.
The new video relay service, hosted by SignVideo, allows for both Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretations at the touch of a button. This means Deaf individuals can easily connect with interpreters through the PSNI website or the SignVideo app to relay their calls to the police contact management center.
Chief Inspector Michelle Adams from the PSNI emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “This service means people from the deaf community will now be empowered to report anything to us themselves, allowing us to take the most meaningful information we can from them.” She reassured users of their respect and confidentiality, ensuring, “We want to allay any concerns about data protection. SignVideo interpreters are NRCPD qualified, which takes seven years to achieve. They also have a minimum of three years community practitioner experience.”
The ability to handle calls through video relay not only enhances communication but also promotes independence among Deaf individuals, enabling them to report incidents without relying on family or friends for assistance. The service aims to build trust within the Deaf community, allowing them to navigate their interactions with law enforcement confidently and securely.
Majella McAteer, the British Deaf Association NI Manager, remarked on the significance of this development, saying, “This is a significant development and a true step forward for sign language users. With the video relay service, Deaf individuals can now make non-emergency calls to the Police Service independently.” McAteer highlighted this newfound autonomy as being greatly welcomed within the sign language community, fostering greater societal inclusion.
By launching this initiative, PSNI sends out a clear message highlighting their commitment to serving all members of the community, acknowledging the diverse needs of the public. The introduction of this video relay service strengthens the existing layers of communication and accessibility for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, marking another step toward greater social inclusion.
The timing of the launch coincides with National Sign Language Week, which celebrates the use of sign languages and raises awareness about their significance. It marks the annual acknowledgment of British Sign Language as a language by the UK Government since its recognition on March 18, 2003. During this week, various activities are organized nationwide to promote awareness and appreciation of the Deaf community and their languages.
To access the service, users can click on the dedicated call button on the PSNI website or the SignVideo app, leading them directly to interpreters who will facilitate their communication with law enforcement officials. This seamless connectivity ensures messages are conveyed quickly and efficiently, enhancing the support offered to the Deaf community.
Chief Inspector Michelle Adams reaffirms the PSNI's dedication to building trust, saying, “We also want to allay any concerns about data protection. All interpreters are bound to confidentiality and will not answer any questions or discuss anything about the conversations they have interpreted.” Such promises of discretion are pivotal to encouraging use among the Deaf populace, who may have concerns about privacy when sharing sensitive information with law enforcement.
Overall, the introduction of the video relay service reflects broader societal movements toward improved accessibility and inclusivity. With continued advancements, more services and facilities are likely to embrace similar frameworks to accommodate individuals with hearing impairments, enhancing their daily experiences.
The integration of this service is not merely about communication access; it’s about empowering the Deaf community to engage fully and independently within society. The PSNI’s initiative exemplifies how targeted services can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring they are not sidelined but rather included as integral members of the community.
By investing in this service and the necessary training for interpreters, the PSNI is taking active steps to dismantle communication barriers and create stronger connections between law enforcement and the Deaf community. The future of such inclusive initiatives appears promising, and it paves the way for increased collaboration and mutual respect.
