A new tool is available to assist with facilitating effective communication between drivers and police officers. A visual communication card has been developed to support communication between police officers and individuals with communication challenges and those who are not yet proficient in the English language.

The idea for this communication card came from the community after a similar tool was created in Edmonton. Using the Edmonton card, which focused on the communication needs of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (ACDI) felt that there would be value in also including the needs of others who have communication barriers. After speaking with agencies and services whose staff or clients might benefit from a communication tool like this, a committee was formed. ACDI brought together a small working group to create the communication card, including representatives from each of the following organizations; Medicine Hat Police Services (MHPS), Speech-Language Pathology department with Alberta Health Services, Saamis Immigration Services Association, and Brain Injury Relearning Services.

The visual card is intended to aid with effective communication at traffic stops by allowing police officers to point to what they need from the driver as well as indicate what violation has occurred, and in turn the driver can point to the best way for the officer to communicate with them.

“The client group we work with, sometimes have language barriers and may not understand the official wording used by officers during a traffic stop,” says Marie-Claude Scahill, Manger of Settlement, Saamis Immigration. “This tool will reduce some of the stress, for both the officers and the person being pulled over, by breaking down barriers for both parties involved. It is also a very good educational tool for our newcomers as they transition into driving in Canada.”

All members of the MHPS have been issued cards and are encouraged to keep the card in their vehicle. The cards have also been distributed to current Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada students and newly arrived newcomers under the Resettlement Assistance Program through Saamis Immigration as well to local AHS Speech-Language Pathologists and members of the Deaf/hard of hearing communities.

Above all, communication is about giving and receiving information. “Visual supports, such as picture symbols, can be a valuable tool for people with communication challenges, augmenting their ability to independently share and understand information,” says Carolyn Maynes (Speech-Language Pathologist with Alberta Health Services). During high stress situations (for example, during traffic stops), communication often becomes more challenging. With that in mind, this card was designed to benefit those with hearing loss and various other language deficits by allowing them to more effectively and efficiently communicate with others”.

“The fundamental purpose of the MHPS is to serve and protect the community,” says Inspector Brent Secondiak. “To accomplish this, we must be aware of the needs of various groups to ensure we are providing accessible and responsible policing services to all people in the community equally. We commend the community stakeholders who were involved in the development of this card for their efforts to increase awareness and bridge potential gaps in service delivery”.

For more information or to access a copy of the communication card contact Leslie Jerry, Community Inclusion Coordinator by phone at 403-502-8086 or by email at lesjer@medicinehat.ca.

Media Contact:

Leslie Jerry
Community Inclusion Coordinator
City of Medicine Hat
Ph: 403-502-8086

Or

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph :403-529-8416

or

Marie-Claude Scahill
Manager of Settlement
Saamis Immigration Services Association

Ph: 403-504-1188 ext.102

Or

Carolyn Maynes
Speech-Language Pathologist
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Alberta Health Services
Ph: 403-528-8175