Forty-three members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force graduated from a seven-week Jamaican Sign Language and Deaf Culture Training Programme at a close-out ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Dennis Brooks, representing Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, commended the graduates for their dedication and commitment to professional development and inclusive policing.

“This ceremony marks an important achievement for every participant gathered here. The completion of any programme of study requires commitment, discipline and a willingness to learn. Those qualities are worthy of recognition in any setting. They carry particular significance within law enforcement, where learning has a direct impact on our ability to serve, protect and support the people of Jamaica,” SSP Brooks said during his address.

He further added that this initiative will facilitate more inclusive and thorough investigations, while facilitating easier communication for what is usually one of the more disadvantaged groups in society.

“The officers being recognised today have acquired practical skills that strengthen communication, deepen understanding and improve engagement with members of the deaf community. Those skills will influence interactions in police stations, during investigations, at crime scenes, in moments of crisis and in the countless daily encounters that define the relationship between the police and the public,” he said.

“For members of the deaf community, communication barriers can create additional challenges when seeking assistance, reporting incidents or navigating elements of the justice system. Every effort to reduce those barriers strengthens access to justice and strengthens confidence in public institutions. The training completed through this programme therefore contributes directly to the creation of a safer, fairer and more inclusive society.”

Several Divisional Commanders were also in attendance to celebrate the achievement.

The seven-week programme, delivered through a partnership involving the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, the Social Justice Programme, UNDP, and the Government of Canada, equipped participants with the skills and cultural awareness needed to communicate more effectively with members of the deaf community.