Video Teaches Deaf People Their Rights

The wife of a police officer, Matlin is in a unique position to understand the complexities of the issue and communicate them to people on both sides.

Matlin gives helpful tips – like asking in writing for an interpreter – and walks the audience through their rights and duties during a police interaction, citing specific examples from a traffic stop to the booking process. She also explains how tactics many deaf people use, like touching, can be perceived as threats by police officers, and how those interactions can lead to confusion, unwarranted arrests, and even physical assault charges.

For those without a hearing impairment, it’s an interesting, educational clip. For the deaf or hearing impaired, however, it’s an invaluable resource.

Watch “Marlee Matlin on Deaf and Police Interaction” here.