Sign language proficiency as an element of realisation of communicative competence of officers of internal affairs bodies of Russia

the present article considers the necessity for IAB officers to be able to communicate using sign language. In the practical activities of police officers there is often a need for the ability to use sign language for effective communication with citizens with hearing impairment. Hence the need to acquire these skills in the process of training of officers. Despite the fact that sign language has been introduced into the educational programmes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and has been studied for about 10 years, many officers do not possess these skills at the appropriate level. It is important to learn not only the basics of sign language, but also the psychology of the deaf or sign psychology. Misunderstandings can occur when communicating with people using professional terms, which in turn can lead to negative situations. In this article the following problems that hinder the full use of sign language are given: lack of specialists; lack of unified standards; lack of a systematic approach; lack of funding. The following solutions to these problems have been proposed: improving the skills of staff; developing uniform standards; creating a system of interpreters; using new technologies; raising public awareness. It is through the formation of professional communication skills of employees and increasing their non-verbal communicative competence that more effective and quality work with deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens will be ensured.

police officers, sign language, communication, skills, communication, citizens, MIA training, communicative competence