POLICE officers in Dorset are learning sign language basics to help them deal with the deaf and hard of hearing.
College lecturer Paul Kirby, who is deaf himself, is delivering the training to around 70 officers.
The officers undertaking the training include firearms, traffic and marine officers and dog handlers from the force's specialist operations unit.
Mr Kirby said: "As a deaf man myself I can offer a realistic perspective on living, working and being raised in the deaf world yet trying to work and fit in to the hearing community.
"Officers were also taught some British Sign Language basics including 'hello', 'goodbye', 'help' and 'crime'.
"I also talked about how someone who is deaf or heard of hearing may react when approached by a police officer."
Training organiser Sgt Bob Acaster, of the tactical firearms unit, said: "The training was organised to increase awareness and it has given officers a real insight into the deaf community with valuable pointers as to how to interact with deaf or hard of hearing people."
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