‘Talking’ to deaf
Vid system aims to aid communication
The NYPD is testing out a new video teleconferencing system that will help police communicate with the deaf, officials said Thursday.
The Skype-like service will bring city signlanguage interpreters face to face with crime victims in the street.
It is being tested in three NYPD police precincts in Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, according to NYPD Deputy Commissioner Susan Herman, the head of the department's Office of Collaborative Policing.
“It's only been up for a couple of months, but we are very excited about it,” Herman said. “We've had five uses (of the service) and all the parties are very happy with it.”
Under the new program, if a cop is called to a scene with a deaf person, they can log onto the teleconferencing system, where a American Sign Language interpreter can sign for the officers.
The department is trying to determine if the service will work on an officer's department-issued cell phone or if a larger device, such as a tablet, is needed, officials said.
The communication system is just one of the new method included in a online booklet, “The 101: The NYPD and Victim Assistance.”
Herman said the other 100 services, include NYPD vehicles that can transport motorized wheelchairs, making sure that every squad car has trauma kits for life-threatening injuries and bringing two victim advocates to each precinct.