Which of the following is best practice when contacting a person who is deaf or hard of hearing?

• A. Use a qualified interpreter
• B. Shout and repeat
• C. Text message
• D. Rely on family members to interpret

Answer: (A)

Effective communication with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing hinges on providing professional interpreting support. A qualified interpreter is trained to accurately convey spoken information in sign language and to translate in the other direction, ensuring both sides fully understand each other. This protects accuracy, confidentiality, and makes the interaction respectful and accessible, which is essential in law enforcement contexts and aligns with obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Shouting and repeating is poorly effective and can come across as disrespectful, and it still may not ensure understanding. Texting alone can help in some situations but isn’t a complete substitute for real-time, accurate interpretation, especially when rapid or critical information must be exchanged. Relying on family members to interpret can raise privacy and confidentiality concerns and may introduce bias or errors due to lack of professional training.

Using a qualified interpreter best supports clear, accurate, and confidential communication, promoting safer and more effective interactions.