Police Interactions and Hearing Impairment: What You Need to Know

Have you had any interactions with police or law enforcement? Did your hearing loss make those interactions difficult? For those with hearing loss, police encounters can be difficult, dangerous, or even life threatening! In light of recent events involving people with hearing loss and law enforcement, we offer some information on interactions with the police.

Fatal Shooting in Charlotte

Just a few weeks ago, on Aug 18, an unarmed man was fatally shot by a North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper in Northeast Charlotte. Why was he shot? The man was hearing and speech impaired, and a misunderstanding led to the shooting.

The Patrol Trooper attempted to stop the car of 29-year-old Daniel Kevin Harris for a speeding violation. When Harris didn't stop, police chased the car for seven miles until they were able to pull over the car. When Harris got out of the vehicle, a miscommunication in the encounter led to the fatal shooting.

Know Your Rights

Knowing your rights when interacting with law enforcement will keep you safe. Deaf actress Marlee Matlin, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and HEARD (Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of the Deaf), put together a short presentation to explain your rights.

A simple miscommunication at a road stop can lead to beatings, wrongful arrest, or even a fatality. While it is the responsibility of the police force to receive adequate training, it is important that you know your rights and be assertive when advocating for your rights.

Your Rights During Police Interactions:

• You have the right to an assistive listening device, real time captioning, or even an ASL translator.
• Ask for the assistance that you need at the beginning of your interaction with law enforcement. Keep asking until you get the help you need.
• The police officer can search your person, but you have the right to refuse a search of your car or your home.
• Don't sign any documents until you are sure you fully understand everything in the document.
• If you are arrested, you have the right to an attorney. You also have the right to remain silent, and do not have to answer any questions.

If Your Rights Are Violated:

• Write down all the details you can remember, including the officer's name, badge number, and what happened.
• You can file a complaint with the internal affairs division.
• Notify your local ACLU chapter, who work hard to defend your rights and liberties.

What You Can Do

Here are a few easy tips to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Always pull over your vehicle as quickly as possible to show you have seen the officers, and are compliant.
2. Be prepared. Have a sign in your wallet or your car that states that you are hard of hearing.
3. When the officer approaches your car, keep your hands on the steering wheel and make eye contact.
4. Tell the officer what you are doing before you reach for your hearing impairment card.
5. Keep a pad of paper and a pen on hand for easy communication.
6. Never touch a police officer! Even though this helps you communicate, the officer may interpret it as a threat and take severe action.
7. Always ask if you are free to leave before driving away.
8. Drive away slowly and calmly.

Looking after your hearing health is about far more than improving communication with your family and friends. It's about safety, and can even be a matter of life and death. Don't take that gamble! We can help. Get fitted with hearing aids today and be safe.

Atlanta Hearing Doctor

Contact our friendly team to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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