Thames Valley Police launch new protocol for blind and visually impaired people
It will help police officers to identify themselves to residents with visual impairments.
Thames Valley Police have launched a new password system for visually impaired residents.
The Visual Impairment Protocol (VIP) has been launched by Thames Valley Police to provide better security to visually impaired members of the community who need to identify if the person at their front door is a police officer.
The VIP works by setting up a password system at the address of a visually-impaired member of the community.
When an individual calls either 101 or 999 and informs the call handler that they have a sight impairment, a password of their choice will be agreed.
Then, when an officer visits that address they will be expected to state the password to the person answering the door.
If they are unable to give the password then they should not be allowed into the property.
Thames Valley Police explained why this protocol is needed:
"It is very important that police officers and other police employees who come to the door for whatever reason are able to identify themselves. Usually, when officers go to someone's property, they have an identification card to identify themselves and prove who they are.
"However, it isn't as easy for visually impaired people who may not be able to see a photograph or name on an identification card clearly."