Nanaimo RCMP officers are being equipped with a new app on their work phones, designed to connect officers with qualified sign language interpreters to better handle calls involving clients who are hard of hearing, or deaf. (Image Credit: File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

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Nanaimo chosen for RCMP pilot project for deaf & hard of hearing-related calls

Mar 31, 2026 | 4:15 PM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties are being equipped with an application on their mobile devices to better serve those with hearing challenges in the community.

Project DECIPHER will be piloted in Nanaimo, Langley, Kelowna, and Prince George over the next six months, offering front-line members easy access to secure American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) interpreters in the field.

Supt. Darryl Dawkins, director for the Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Secretariat at RCMP National HQ, told NanaimoNewsNOW those with hearing challenges often face barriers during police encounters, leading to misunderstandings, time delays, and safety concerns.

“[DECIPHER interactions are] done by using secure video technology, where an officer will use their mobile device, whether it’s a cell phone or a tablet, connect directly with an interpreter on that device, and, similar to a FaceTime interaction, the officer will communicate to the client through the interpreter, and vice versa.”

In the past, officers had to rely on written notes, lip reading, gestures or other less consistent communication methods when working with people who have hearing challenges.

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A company called Asign will provide interpreters for officers to connect with in their interactions with deaf and hard-of-hearing clients.

Calls can be initiated by the officer responding or be requested by the individual requiring the service.

Nanaimo and the other three pilot program locations were chosen based on their population of deaf and hard-of-hearing community members, detachment size, and the types of calls for service officers typically see.

Dawkins said they want to get a comprehensive picture of the service to “capture as many different types of interactions that are possible.”

After the six-month pilot, the RCMP will review officer reports to determine if a wider rollout is feasible.

“We’re really focusing on service reliability, responsiveness, interpretation quality and ease of use for front-line members and clients. The most important feedback we’re looking for are from the deaf and hard of hearing communities in the locations that we’ve chosen. Has this increased service from their perspective? Have things gotten easier for them?”

The RCMP is presently rolling out body cameras to detachments in B.C., although Nanaimo is not expected to come online with the new technology until at least the summer.

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