Call for increased training after video shows Halton police arresting man who is deaf

The Ontario Association of the Deaf is calling for increased training for police officers after a video posted on social media showing the arrest of a man who is deaf has raised concerns in the community.

The video, which has been viewed over 230,000 times since it was posted on Tuesday, shows Halton Regional Police officers arresting the man. But before the arrest, the man communicated with the officers using American Sign Language and appeared to be asking for a pen and paper.

Halton Regional Police said officers were called with a report someone took numerous items, including over-the-counter medication and razor blades.

“I am not going to write it for you right now,” an officer said to the man while verbally asking him to put his hands behind his back. A second officer can then be seen arriving before the two officers arrest the man.

Donald Prong, executive director for the Ontario Association of the Deaf, is among the people speaking out after seeing the video.

“I know that crimes under the law have to be dealt with and there are laws to follow with regards to every arrest, and I know police have protocols – but this time, the process was violated,” Prong told Global News.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I know that crimes under the law have to be dealt with and there are laws to follow with regards to every arrest, and I know police have protocols - but this time, the process was violated," Prong told Global News.

“We saw the fact that he was handcuffed with his hands behind his back – that is the equivalent of his face being duct taped – and not allowing an individual who could hear, for example to use spoken English. If he were to be handcuffed, his hands should have been handcuffed in front of him.”

Prong called the arrest “a unique situation” and said officers should have handled it differently.

“What police did escalated the situation and this gentleman was robbed of his basic human rights… I strongly believe if the police had appropriate training – ongoing basic training – with regards to how to deal with deaf individuals, it would not be an issue,” he said.

Halton police said in a statement shared on social media that after speaking with witnesses and reviewing video, a suspect was identified. A man was then located nearby.

“The individual is known to police and the arresting officer has previously dealt with, and effectively communicated with him without the use of sign language,” the statement said.

“The arrest was made without injury to the male or police and adhered to officer safety protocols. Once in custody the male was provided with an opportunity to communicate with an officer with American Sign Language to explain the situation prior to the arrival of an ASL certificated interpreter.”

Meanwhile, Steven Summerville, a use of force expert and president of Stay Safe Instructional Programs, said he watched the video twice and that the officers “did nothing wrong.”

“If I know you, and there’s a previous history, it would not be reasonable for the police officer to take actions to try to write something out that would tie up my hands. It would distract the officer. It may get the person the opportunity to be assaultive or attempt an escape.”