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Police Sergeant Bleddyn Jones, a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Cardiff, has been putting a new skill to the test to boost engagement in the community.Ìę

Bleddyn has recently completed a Level 1 qualification in British Sign Language with training provider ALS. ÌęHe is now finding new ways to connect with people who might otherwise struggle to be heard.ÌęÌę

“Engaging with our communities and being able to speak to people is probably the most important part of policing,” he explained.ÌęÌę

Bleddyn manages a team of police officers and community support officers, working closely with residents, schools, businesses, and community groups to address local issues. His role is all about visibility and approachability, qualities that are often challenged when communication barriers are in place.Ìę

“For years, BSL has been something on my to-do list,” Bleddyn said. “I remember my sister learning BSL when I was a child and found it interesting. It’s always been an interest of mine, but juggling a course alongside work and home life made it difficult.”Ìę

That changed when the opportunity arose to complete a BSL qualification as professional development through his work. “I jumped at it,” he said. “In recent years, hearing loss and deafness has affected members of my family, so the desire to learn BSL became more important to me.”Ìę

But Bleddyn’s motivation to learn wasn’t just personal, he saw the professional benefits too. “There have been occasions where I’ve been unable to engage with or speak to somebody because of a barrier to communication,” he explained. “It’s frustrating for the individual who might want help, and frustrating for someone like me who wants to make that process as easy as possible.”Ìę

His awareness of Cardiff’s deaf community also played a big role in his decision. “There is a deaf club in my area, and it would be great for us to be able to engage with them, discuss their concerns, and give the deaf community the same access to policing as the rest of the ward.”Ìę

Talking about the learner journey, Bleddyn said: “I really enjoyed it. I could see my own progress week-on-week. Our trainers, Sarah and Simon, were fantastic, always there supporting us. Being taught in silence was strange at first, but it helped me concentrate. I think it actually helped me learn better.Ìę

“You do make friends with the people you sign with every week. I actually went on my first cruise in February, and talking about travel every week with another learner definitely influenced my decision to go.”Ìę

Though the sessions were intense, or ‘a bit tiring’ as Bleddyn puts it, progress was quick. “You use your hands, arms and facial expressions in a way you haven’t before. But it was such an enjoyable experience.”Ìę

Now that Bleddyn has completed his Level 1 course, he is bringing his skills to work. “There’ve been a couple of examples where we’ve knocked on doors and spoken with people through sign,” he said. “That’s so important for our role, and it must be really refreshing for our local deaf community to feel that they can engage with us through BSL.”Ìę

Beyond direct communication, Bleddyn says BSL has also changed the way he sees accessibility.ÌęÌę

He explained: “It’s opened my eyes to how isolating it can be for someone [who is deaf] in a world that communicates through spoken word. The deaf or hard of hearing can feel ignored and not included.”Ìę

He also realised how expressive and rich the language is. “It’s quite descriptive in the way it explains things,” he said. “And as a police officer that’s really helpful when taking statements. Bringing gestures and hand shapes into statement-taking improves the quality of evidence and gives it more richness and colour.”Ìę

Following his qualification, Bleddyn continues to practice the language and hopes to work more closely with local deaf groups. He also sees potential in his colleagues. “Three of us have learned BSL so far, and I’m sure more will follow. A few of the team have already shown interest.”Ìę

Talking about the importance of learning the skill, Bleddyn said: “Just being able to greet someone, it’s such a simple thing, but it shows respect and willingness to engage.Ìę

“Lots of people say they’d love to learn another language and I just have. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, stimulate your mind, and make a real difference in the way you serve your community.”Ìę

If you would like to learn more about BSL you can find details of Ìę