ESSEX Police is supporting an emergency video relay service for deaf people.
The 999 BSL connects deaf people to British Sign Language interpreters remotely through an app or a web-based platform.
If a deaf person were to see a crime in progress or an emergency, they can quickly report it and the interpreter will relay the conversation to a call handler.
999 BSL is available to download as a smartphone app on iOS and Android and can also be accessed online.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "If it’s not an emergency, you can report crime and anti-social behaviour or provide information about criminal activity online at http://esxpol.uk/iW86S
"This allows our call-handlers to provide immediate responses to those who do find themselves in an emergency situation.
"#HelpUsHelpYou by checking out all the different ways you can contact us to report crime and anti-social behaviour incidents, which are not happening right now, at http://esxpol.uk/SuhZE"
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