Wallingford Police Department Settles with Feds, to Improve Communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Wallingford Police Department has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and will implement training and ensure its policies comply with the effective communication requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The police department voluntarily agreed to enter into the settlement agreement during the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation into allegations it failed to effectively communicate with persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.

“We commend the Town of Wallingford for voluntarily entering into this settlement agreement,” Deirdre M. Daly, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, said in a press release. “By doing so, they are ensuring that there will be effective communication with those members of their community who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Town has been cooperative throughout this investigation. The decision to agree to the terms of the settlement reflects the Town’s strong commitment to both protect public safety and to uphold individuals’ civil rights.”

The ADA requires that “public entities,” including local governments and police departments, ensure effective communication with qualified individuals with disabilities. Under this agreement, a person who is deaf or hard of hearing will be able to benefit from the same services as every other person.

The agreement requires that the Wallingford Police Department:

• Ensure its policies and practices are nondiscriminatory, and provide effective communication for people with communication disabilities, including the provision of sign language interpreters;
• Post a notice of the policy in public areas;
• Train staff on the policies; and
• Ensure that appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters and specifically tactile interpreters, are made available to all individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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