Police officer spearheads bespoke BSL training programme in drive for inclusivity

 

In a heartfelt initiative driven by personal experience, a police officer is spearheading a British Sign Language (BSL) training programme to ensure officers and staff are equipped to better serve the deaf community and individuals with hearing loss.

DC Chloe Tynan-Jones, 30, from Llanfairpwll, began learning BSL from the age of five after a schoolfriend lost her hearing after falling ill with meningitis.

Through picking up signs from a teaching assistant who helped her friend communicate in school she took her skills back home and practiced with her grandfather, with whom she lived.

The former North Wales Police officer of 30 years, Hugh Jones, had also lost his hearing which had deteriorated from a young age, igniting a passion for inclusivity from DC Tynan-Jones’ early childhood.

“Growing up, I had to shout a lot which is why my voice now is always raised”, she laughed.

“I initially wanted to learn BSL for my grandfather, and he was really intrigued by it.

“It was a learning curve for both of us at the time. Losing his hearing was a struggle for him, and I suppose it made me aware of hearing loss from a young age because I’d always been around it.”

Following experiences of trauma in adulthood, DC Tynan-Jones saw an opportunity to rebuild her life by joining the force to help others, something she has always found pleasure in.

During her application process in 2019, she sadly lost her grandfather at the age of 75, which had a significant impact on her life, but driving her further to bridge a gap and foster more inclusion for people with hearing loss in his memory.

 

Earlier this year, with the full support of the force, DC Tynan-Jones began researching courses to improve interactions between police officers and deaf individuals.

On 11 March, ahead of BSL Awareness Week running from 17 March, a five-week course in partnership with Grwp Llandrillo Menai began and will see ten officers leaving with a Level 1 qualification in BSL.

The college’s expert BSL tutors have developed a course specifically designed for policing scenarios, ensuring officers gain practical, real-world skills that will make a tangible difference in their daily roles.

Those who complete the course will wear badges to show they are BSL trained.

DC Tynan-Jones 179, who inherited her grandfather’s collar number when she joined the force, added: “I feel it’s important as an organisation that we’re able to reach out to everyone, and I know my grandfather would have been immensely proud that I was driving this project.

“This tailored BSL training programme will equip officers with essential sign language skills that I hope will allow us to better serve the deaf community and individuals with hearing loss and continue to break down barriers.

“I would be great to see North Wales Police leading the way in Wales by creating a culture where use of BSL is embedded and all officers had a basic knowledge of the language.”

DC Tynan-Jones - who carries out voluntary work as Chair for the disability support network ENABLE, supporting officers, staff and their families with disabilities – has organised for more BSL classes to be rolled out across the force area throughout the year.

She hopes these additional skills will help support deaf victims of crime – in particular women experiencing domestic abuse.  

“I think it’s important all communication obstacles are removed to ensure anyone wanting to access help and support can do that safely,” she added.

“Speaking to the police can be an intimidating experience for some people, but there can be an added layer of discomfort if you’re deaf and unable to communicate using BSL.

“Ultimately, my goal is to be able to help as many people as I can and the fact my voice has been heard for good intention is so inspiring and empowering.

“I think it’s only fair every person has a fair opportunity in whatever they’re doing. Life is not straight forward, but things can be in place to support you to get where you want to be, and nothing should stop you.”

Superintendent Llinos Davies said: “This is a fantastic initiative driven by DC Tynan-Jones which recognises the importance of effective communication in policing.

“I welcome this partnership that underscores the dedication of North Wales Police and Grwp Llandrillo Menai to making North Wales a place where everyone, irrespective of their communication needs feel included and supported.

“I have no doubt this programme will provide officers with the confidence and knowledge needed to further engage and strengthen interactions with the deaf community, whether it be routine contact or emergency responses.

"This initiative is a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every member of our community feels heard and supported.”

Martin Walker, Lead Lifelong Learning Manager at Grwp Llandrillo Menai added: "We are proud to collaborate with North Wales Police on this vital training programme.

“As an institution committed to inclusivity and lifelong learning, we recognise the impact that improved communication can have on both individuals and communities.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to breaking down communication barriers and promoting accessibility for all."