British Sign Language capability within the MPS

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.034597

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to know details around British Sign Language capability within the MET.
Period of time: within the last two years.

Specifically:

1. Are there any officers who are trained to BSL level 1 or above or going through any courses at the present time?

2. Which areas do they feature or are they across the board?

3. How long has this been in practice?

4. Are there any police initiatives in progress that specifically relate to this subject?

5. Is it possible to be provided relevant contact details of the person/s leading on this piece of work?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Are there any officers who are trained to BSL level 1 or above or going through any courses at the present time?

- 142 staff and officers are trained to BSL level 1 or above.
- 24 are on a BSL level 2 course and 10 are on a level 3 course at present.

Q2 - Which areas do they feature or are they across the board?

Available to all met staff and officers with a business need.

Q3 - How long has this been in practice?

The MPS have been running BSL Courses since 2017.

Q4 - Are there any police initiatives in progress that specifically relate to this subject?

From a LCS perspective it is just the BSL courses that the MPS offer.

Q5 - Is it possible to be provided relevant contact details of the person/s leading on this piece of work?

Any further information required must go through the FOIA team: [email protected]