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Contacting the police if you are Deaf or find it hard to communicate

There are several ways to contact the police if you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have a speech impairment.

Emergency

  • If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can place a 999 emergency call using the 999 BSL video relay service, or download the 999 BSL App on your smart device.
  • Alternatively, text the emergency number 999. You MUST register your mobile phone number before using this service. Send a text message to the number 999, with the word ‘Register’, and follow the simple instructions. Find out more about the Emergency Text Service.
  • If you use Text Relay, dial 18000 and you will be put through to the police.
  • Ask a hearing person to dial 999.

Non-emergency

  • If you use BSL, you can place a 101 call using video relay through the SignLive service.
  • Text the non-emergency number on 07400 279101. There is no need to pre-register for this service.
  • If you use Text Relay, dial 18001 101.
  • Ask a hearing person to dial 101.
  • Contact us to report a crime online or send a message to a particular department.

Police Link Officer for Deaf people (PLOD)

Avon and Somerset Police has a number of staff trained in BSL to improve engagement with Deaf communities. 

As we have access to professional video relay interpretation 24/7, we no longer routinely use PLOD officers to take details of crime reports.

For further information or if you would like a PLOD officer to engage with your group, school, or an event you are organising, contact the coordinator at PLOD@avonandsomerset.police.uk.