A video designed to introduce deaf people to Essex Police services has been developed in British Sign Language.

The two-minute video features Dc Maria Pallett signing information about how to contact the police in both emergency and non-emergency situations via text and minicom services.

It has been put together by the force’s in house TV Unit as part of a wider initiative to improve access to Essex Police services.

Zoe Hack, Head of Diversity and HR Strategy, said: "Essex Police is committed to serving the whole community and ensuring access to information for everybody is an important part of that drive.”

Dc Pallett, a domestic abuse safeguarding officer based at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford, began learning British Sign Language as a hobby five years ago. She has now reached level three and works closely with residents with hearing loss.

She said: "I have a number of friends living with hearing loss so was really pleased to appear in the video. I hope it will reach members of the community who are either deaf or hard of hearing and highlight the services available to them when they need to contact the police.”

The video and information about how to contact the police can be found on the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk/contactus.

It can also be found on the Essex Police You Tube channel www.youtube.com/essexpoliceukand has been published on social media channels Facebook www.facebook.com/essexpoliceukand Twitter @essexpoliceuk.

As well as appearing in the video, Dc Pallett has launched a Twitter account which can be found @DcMariaPallett.