SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM, CABDBARAN CITY POLICE PERSONNEL 

The recorded reported incidence involving deaf victims in Cabadbaran City
Police Station, put to test the readiness of its personnel in dealing with and interviewing
deaf victims effectively. The challenge encountered remains unaddressed which
emphasize the immediate needs for effective communication program between the
police personnel and deaf victims.
The study adopted a descriptive research design, using Key Informant Interviews
(KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) and Document Analysis to determine the
readiness of Cabadbaran City police personnel in interviewing deaf victims and found
the following: a) the police personnel have encountered communication difficulties with
deaf victims; b) American Sign Language (ASL) is important in the investigation work
of police officers; c) ASL appreciation of police personnel is the major challenge and d)
the need of the mainstreaming and institutionalization of ASL in the PNP.
The study opens an opportunity for Cabadbaran City Police Station to resolve the
challenge in dealing with and interviewing deaf victims through the mainstreaming and
institutionalization of ASL training program. Towards this end, the proposed training
program includes a one-month ASL course for Cabadbaran City police personnel to
effectively address the communication difficulties encountered by police personnel with
deaf victims.