NCJ Number
228475
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 76 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 50,51,53
Date Published
July 2009
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the unique partnership forged between the Frederick, MD first responders and the Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) in providing and delivering public safety services to the deaf community.
Abstract
To bridge the communication gap between first responders and the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, a partnership was formed with Frederick, MD first responders and the local Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD). Through this initiative, public safety officials attempted to improve the cooperation and communication among all agencies, enhance every agency's response in any type of public safety incident, and engage in specific efforts to educate all agencies. Collaborative efforts were undertaken in the areas of environmental design/crime prevention, classroom training sessions, and the creation of an MSD internship within the Frederick Police Department (FPD). This partnership between MSD and local first responders is an example of exemplary teamwork, in which public safety partners and community members united to identify a challenge, develop a solution, and apply joint resources to improve the timeliness and quality of service delivery to the community.