More police officers in the ZRP are set to receive training in sign language as the organisation steps up its efforts to ensure that every group in the society is fully catered for, a senior officer has said.Speaking during the presentation of certificates to 22 police officers who completed the basic sign language course at ZRP Bulawayo Professional Updating Centre (PUC), Assistant Commissioner (Crime) in Bulawayo, Assistant Commissioner Edmore Mlambo said the organisation gives priority to all members of society, hence the need to train police officers on sign language.

He said in line with the organisation’s thrust to give customers full measure of their service as dictated in guiding principles and also in line with the Constitutional provision that recognises sign language, the ZRP will soon equip all officers and members with requisite skills and knowledge to communicate with the deaf community.

“We are geared up to train more police officers who can proficiently communicate with this group, lest they remain isolated. This is in line with the organisation’s thrust to give customers full measure of service and also the Constitution of Zimbabwe which recognises sign language as an official language,” said Assistant Commissioner Mlambo.

Since the course was rolled out in early 2016, ZRP Bulawayo Province has so far trained 55 police officers who were drawn from specialist sections like the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), Charge offices and Community Relations Liaison Office (CRLOs).

The program has been a success owing to the organisation’s partnership with King George VI School, which is providing material and technical support.

King George VI School trained police trainers from PUC, who are now coordinating the program as it cascades down to other police officers. It also donated 51 sign language dictionaries which were officially handed over during the same event.

Ms Precious Ncube from King George VI said she was happy that the ZRP was taking the programme very seriously.

“We are happy that the ZRP takes sign language training very seriously. It humbles me that, Assistant Inspector Victor Mubako who was our student is now a passionate trainer” said Ms Ncube.

She said her organisation will continue to work harmoniously with police for the cause of the community with hearing impairment.

The training program covers the basics of sign language, the alphabet in sign language, numbers, days of the week and months of the year, new words, sign language phrases and the national anthem.