Helping Residents with Communication Challenges

Hertfordshire Constabulary has launched a scheme – Pegasus – to help those with communication challenges when they have contact with police and other emergency services.

In partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Pegasus is designed to assist those who sometimes find it difficult to speak or make themselves understood, especially in pressured situations. It may be useful to anyone with any conditions, to help with any communication issues, including those neuro-diverse needs or visual or hearing impairments.

Inspector Dean Board, who has been working to implement the scheme, said: ‘Training and briefings have been provided to our Police colleagues and our frontline officers so that they are aware of this scheme and how to respond appropriately.

‘This is a simple tool that provides a Prevention First approach to how we interact with the public so that we can tailor how we respond to the needs of the individual concerned and therefore avoid some of the pitfalls when communication breaks down.’

Registration is easy, free-of-charge and involves providing a few simple details via a dedicated webpage. It is open to everyone who lives or works in the county. Those who care for people with communication difficulties can also register on their behalf.

Following registration, the individual will receive a membership card and a PIN. When calling for assistance, the cardholder simply needs to say ‘Pegasus’ and quote their PIN for call handlers to provide the appropriate information to responding officers. There is also a Textphone option.

The card can also be shown in person to a police officer, paramedic or firefighter.

To apply or for further information please visit Pegasus card scheme | Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk)

Any questions or feedback about Pegasus should be emailed to Inspector Board.