New protocol for visually impaired who call police in Hampshire

A password system for the visually impaired who call the police has been launched in Hampshire, so that they can later identify officers.

Hampshire Constabulary says a new protocol is now in place, for those who cannot clearly see an identification card.

From now on, when a visually impaired person calls either 101 or 999, a password is agreed with the call handler - which the police then have to use when they go to the address.

The force says it offers better security to the person answering the door.

They say if the password cannot be given, then the resident should not allow the officer in.

The Visual Impairment Protocol (VIP) applies to anyone with a visual impairment, whether with full blindness, with a guide dog, or with any sight-impaired condition.

It can also be used by anyone who cares for, or supports, someone who is visually impaired.

Hampshire Constabulary responded to feedback from the community to put the protocol in place.

The issue was first brought to light by Tina Snow, who is fully blind, after an officer came to her home:

"Last year I had a police officer call at my door. He was making enquiries after an attempted break-in at a neighbouring property. Unfortunately he did not have any braille ID on him.

"I let him in, and I shouldn't have because I was taking a huge risk, as he could have been anybody.

"I contacted Hampshire police and I am really delighted that they have put together a protocol to safeguard people with sight loss in the future."

Following the launch of the VIP, Assistant Chief Constable Craig Dibdin, Force Lead for Disability, said:

"When we were contacted by Tina about the circumstances she found herself in, we were quite rightly asked what we can do, or what we already do, to safeguard people in Tina's position.

"When a police officer knocks on the door of a person with a sight impairment, or severe sight impairment, how does that person satisfy themselves that they are indeed speaking to a police officer?

"We contacted Tina and were absolutely delighted that she was willing to work with us to help us find a solution. Our accessibility team worked with Tina, and as a result of that we developed the Visual Impairment Protocol.

"That protocol is being launched to coincide with National Inclusion Week and I can't thank Tina enough for bringing this to our attention and for working with us.

"We have also been working closely with local charities Sight for Wight, Southampton Sight, and Open Sight to gain further feedback from visually impaired members of the community about their experiences with the police, and to introduce this new protocol to them."

Hampshire Constabulary are asking members of the public who care for someone who is visually impaired, or have friends, family members or colleagues with a visual impairment, to make them aware of the protocol.