JOIN USDeaf and mute now a text away from police help
Delhi Police will soon launch a helpline exclusively for the deaf and mute where they can send a brief text message in an emergency and get help.
The helpline came about after a deaf-mute citizen sent a letter asking police how he could reach them in an emergency.
During an emergency, people dial 100 to seek immediate police help. Police control room vehicles then reach the spot. But if the person is deaf and dumb, how does he inform police? This was the question that made police start the new service.
Though Delhi Police have a helpline number 9818099050 where one can send text messages during an emergency and seek help, this was not enough to cater to this section of people.
Now, police are checking the feasibility and technical issues related to the the new helpline numbers. They will come up with a five-digit number to which people in distress can quickly send a text message. Initially, the helpline number will have five parallel lines, which will eventually be increased.
Police will also have a special team at police control room to monitor text messages and respond to them. The helpline numbers might be connected to computers and whenever someone sends a message, it will flash on the screen. The staff at the control room will respond immediately and rush a police control van to help the person in trouble, said a senior police officer.
All India Deaf and Dumb Society vice president, M R Malhotra told Deccan Herald, “We welcome the new police initiative as it is a big step. We definitely appreciate the police work.” Police will launch this service within the next few days. Till then deaf people can text in an emergency at 9818099050.