To improve communications with the District’s deaf and hard of hearing communities, the Metropolitan Police Department has installed TTY devices in each of its police district stations and substations, as well as other units within the Department, Chief of Police Charles H. Ramsey announced Thursday.

The new TTY devices will enable individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate more easily with their Police Service Area (PSA) lieutenants and other police officials about ongoing crime problems, community policing activities and other routine matters affecting public safety in their communities.

Deaf and hard of hearing residents should continue to dial 9-1-1 for reporting police, fire and medical emergencies, and 3-1-1 for reporting police non-emergencies such as property crimes that are no longer in progress, minor vehicle crashes and other non-life threatening situations. Both 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 are TTY-compatible.

Ramsey said the installation of TTY devices in district stations and other units is just one of several steps the MPD is taking to enhance communication and improve service to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Police Department recently entered into a service agreement with Birnbaum Interpreting to provide sign language interpreting for individuals who request it when stopped or questioned by the police. The Department also pays an extra stipend to MPD members who are trained and certified in American Sign Language.

In addition, the MPD is printing cards that officers will carry explaining the rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in communicating with the police, and the Department has begun a program of ongoing training for police personnel on effectively serving the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

“The Metropolitan Police Department is committed not only to improving communications with the deaf and hard of hearing, but also to providing quality service to all residents, workers and visitors in our Nation’s Capital,” Ramsey said. “The installation of these TTY devices and the other measures we are taking are significant steps forward in our ability to serve the District’s deaf and hard of hearing communities.”

Following are the TTY numbers for the district stations and other units (all are area code 202):

Location	TTY Number
First District	863-4032
First District Substation	543-2352
Second District	364-3961
Third District	518-0008
Fourth District	722-1791
Fifth District	727-8727
Sixth District	398-5397
Sixth District Substation	584-5397
Seventh District	889-3574
Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU)	347-8164
Youth and Preventive Services (1700 Rhode Island Ave., NE)	526-2572
Youth and Preventive Services (501 New York Ave., NW)	638-2673

Ramsey said that in the coming months, the MPD plans to install TTY devices in additional units, including the Chief’s Office, the Office of Professional Responsibility, the three Regional Operations Commands and the Central Cellblock.

Related Information

• Text Telephone Numbers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing