Interacting with Law Enforcement: Tips for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Imagine you are on your way to a family reunion and excited to see your cousins, aunts, and uncles. It’s a good day until you glance at the rearview mirror and see red and blue lights behind you. This experience is one that many deaf and hard of hearing people will encounter at least once in their lives. Read on to learn more about safe practices and effective communication strategies.

Pullover Safely

When a police car behind you signals its lights, pull over at the first safe opportunity. If you are on a busy highway, exit or find an emergency lane only when it’s safe. Pull into the first parking lot available if you're in an industrial area with shops and businesses. Pulling over on a busy road poses risks to the safety of both parties.

Have documents ready

Once parked, the officer will likely run your plates. While waiting for the officer to approach your window, retrieve your registration and driver's license. Place them on the dashboard and only give them to the officer once requested.

Prioritize Safety

Once you have your documents ready, you could place both hands on the steering wheel to minimize any appearance of threat. Once the officer approaches and begins talking at your window, you can make the universal “can’t hear” gesture or sign. Signing before informing the officer of your deafness can be misinterpreted as sudden or threatening in some unfortunate cases.

Use Communication Tools

While you can ask the officer to write notes back and forth, there are other useful methods to communicate effectively to help add clarity.

Deaf Visor Cards

The image shows both sides of a Deaf/HOH visor card. Image credit: Michigan DODDBHH

Many states offer free visor cards for deaf and hard of hearing drivers through local departments. In Michigan, for example, you can download a printable version of the card; others will mail them to you. Your local vocational rehabilitation center may also have these available. These cards clip onto your window visor and inform officers of your hearing status. They also include symbols for common messages like speeding or needing assistance, as well as options for your preferred communication method: texting, writing, ASL, or assistive devices.

Rylo Live Transcribe

The image is a screenshot of the Rylo Live Transcribe. The text says, “I need your license and registration, please.”

The Rylo app provides a free live transcribe feature with unlimited minutes. It also allows for easy offline transcription with customizable settings such as light or dark mode and font size. All transcriptions are saved for later review.

Pullover Pal Organizer

The image is a Pullover Pal organizer hung from the driver’s side window. Image credit: Pullover Pal

Another useful tool available for the deaf and hard of hearing is the Pullover Pal organizer. It’s a cloth bag that holds your registration and driver’s license, with an embedded visor card that hangs from your window to notify officers of your hearing status.

The organizer can be purchased from the Pullover Pal website or on Amazon.com.

Your Legal Rights

According to the National Association of the Deaf, law enforcement officials must ensure effective and clear communication with deaf and hard of hearing citizens. This can mean writing notes, using voice-to-text apps like Rylo’s Live Transcribe, or, in complex scenarios like interviews, using CART services or ASL interpreters.

If you are arrested or interrogated, you have the right to request an ASL interpreter or CART service. You can also request to be handcuffed in front of your body instead of behind your back to facilitate communication that you are comfortable with, such as writing notes or using sign language.

Conclusion

Interactions with law enforcement can cause anxiety for many deaf and hard of hearing individuals. With preparation and the right tools that you’re comfortable using, you can approach these encounters with confidence.