07 August 2008

Scheme helps disabled 999 callers

A database for people with disabilities which helps them make contact with police is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

People with a speech impediment can register with the police and are given a personal identification number (PIN).

The original idea came from Chris Channon, a Nottinghamshire man with cerebral palsy.

Called Pegasus, the scheme means police know the nature of the disability and that the call is not a hoax.

The Pegasus system gives a pin number to those that need help when calling 999.

It has been piloted in Nottinghamshire since April.

Mr Channon said: "The development and piloting of the Pegasus pin code database is a radically new approach to providing 999 access to people with speech impairments.

"Knowing that the police are willing to listen helps me to live in the community with a greater degree of confidence."

When people registered with Pegasus contact the police they need only quote their PIN number which stops the caller having to spend valuable time trying to give personal details.

Insp Tony Dennis from Nottinghamshire Police said: "If a PIN number is quoted we will know that it's not a hoax call if someone doesn't speak straightaway.

"The pilot has gone well and we are now ready for other people with disabilities to register."


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1 comment:

  1. What a simple yet perfect idea, I do hope this soon becomes used nationally.

    ReplyDelete