WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Giving citizens a taste of wearing the badge is nothing new for DC Police. It opened the Community Engagement Academy in 2015 which gives people a chance to learn about police operations.
Saturday's lesson was communicated a little differently, hosted by MPD's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit for the first time.
"The community wants to see officers on the street, the community wants to connect with officers and DHHU does the same exact thing," said MPD Officer Jaymes Pomare.
Members of the deaf community got a tour of the training academy, met a K9 unit and tried MPD's use of force simulator.
“I know from a police officer’s standpoint, I understand better now because you have to make split-second decisions," said DC resident Mauricio Franco using an interpreter.
It's a branch of DC Police that’s truly one of a kind.
“So far, I think we’re the only department in the country that still has a deaf and hard of hearing unit," said Officer Myra Jordan.
“A lot of other departments contact us recently saying they want to set up a unit the same as ours which is really cool and we’re hopeful that they will," said Officer Meghan Brown.
DC Police’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit has been around more than 20 years and has enough of a reputation to actually attract police officers.
“The reason why I joined this department is because we have the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit," said Officer Pomare who grew up in Massachusetts with two deaf parents. “Exactly the reason why I joined, because I felt like it was accessible, accommodating and I felt like I could also invest the same they’re investing in the community as well. Something I want to be a part of, something good.”
And it gave these Community Engagement Academy cadets something they won’t forget.
"If we are more connected with the police, if we more understand their perspective and how they do things, the community will be better understanding as a whole and we can be better connected with each other," said Franco.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.