Police Officer Gets Up Close and Personal With Deaf Book Club
PC England Joins Deaf Friends for Special Visit
PC Steve England, the town’s neighbourhood beat officer, teamed up with community liaison officer Daiga Jansone to visit Deaf Friends, a local book club for the deaf and hard of hearing. The event took place on Saturday, 30 September 2023, at St Saviour’s Church.
Books Beyond Words Breaks Down Barriers
The group read a book on the daily life of police officers as part of Books Beyond Words, a programme designed to make reading accessible for everyone. PC England shared his real-life police experiences and answered questions from the club members about his role.
Hands-On Police Experience
The visitors got a close look at police gear and even sat inside a police patrol car. It gave them a taste of the officer’s world beyond the pages of the book.
Police Focus on Community and Inclusion
“It was a complete pleasure to meet the group,” said PC England. “We had such a warm welcome from everyone, including the amazing volunteers who support them.”
“I talked about my duties as a beat officer, the equipment we use, and listened to their thoughts on the police. I hope they left feeling reassured that we’re here to help and keep people safe.”
“This meeting helped us understand how to tailor our policing to meet their unique needs and deliver top-notch service to all communities.”
Thanet Community Safety Inspector Jim Woodward added: “Our beat officers are vital to neighbourhood policing. They work tirelessly to build strong connections with the communities they serve.”