Medway PCSO Uses Sign Language to Nab Suspect and Support Victims
Police Community Support Officer Debbie Turner has turned a personal challenge into a life-saving skill. After her daughter was born prematurely 35 years ago and suffered hearing loss, Debbie learned British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate effectively.
From Personal Struggle to Police Asset
Debbie attended several events to learn various communication methods and went on to earn a formal BSL qualification. In her four years as a PCSO with Medway’s Community Support Unit, she has used her BSL skills four times to help crime victims who cannot speak.
BSL Helps Catch Assault Suspect in Rainham
The skill recently came to the fore during a call on 24 August 2021, when a woman was assaulted inside a home by a man she knew. The victim was deaf and unable to talk. Debbie calmed and reassured her using sign language, gathering vital information that led to the arrest of the correct suspect. The man was later charged with assault.
Debbie’s Dedicated Service Goes Beyond the Call
“Using sign language enables me to provide an instant response to incidents that need signing before an accredited BSL interpreter can arrive,” Debbie said. “I’ve helped with neighbour disputes, banking issues, and even breaking bad news to someone about a loved one’s passing.”
“I’m keen for a refresher course, but even basic skills like fingerspelling, nouns, and feelings make a huge difference to victims who can’t speak. They’re surprised and grateful when I start signing, and it helps them open up about what happened.”
