Don't finish stutterer's sentences, police told.

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Don't finish stutterer's sentences, police told

Police have been ordered not to finish off the sentences of people with a stutter to prevent them appearing politically incorrect.
Last Updated: 9:49PM BST 02 Apr 2009



Officers have been given a new "diversity handbook" advising them how to avoid offensive faux pas when dealing with members of the public.
Other nuggets of wisdom contained in the 140-page guide include not moving people's walking sticks or leaning on people's wheelchairs.
The booklet even reminds officers that it is legal for members of the public "to wear clothing and accessories of any gender in public so long as their genitals are covered".
When dealing with people who can only communicate through sign language, police are advised not to use their handcuffs "inappropriately".
It also tells officers not to "chew gum, eat sweets, shout, turn away or cover their mouths" when communicating with the deaf.
The pocket-sized handbook has been compiled by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and distributed to all Scottish forces at a cost of £4,500.
However, it has been criticised both from within the service and from campaign groups for being too long-winded and overly politically correct.
Calum Steele, of the Scottish Police Federation, warned: "The guidance is too long and is probably an easy target for the anti- political correctness brigade."
The ACPOS Diversity Handbook is described as a "quick reference practical guide for staff covering aspects such as age, disability, gender, faith and religion, race and sexual orientation".
Its extensive list of advice notes was compiled after Scottish police staff consulted members of their local communities, and various organisations to identify "what information was most relevant for front line staff to have at their fingertips".
Among its recommendations is that officers asked to search transgender people should be told beforehand, to reduce the risk of the officer being surprised at their physical characteristics.
In a section on dealing with disabled people, the guide warns: "Do not lean on a person's wheelchair. It is part of their body space and may move."
It also forbids phrases such as "blind as a bat" and "deaf and dumb", suggesting instead "deaf and without speech".
When encountering someone with a disfigured face, officers are simply told: "Do not ask what happened to them."
It adds: "Do not stare, hide any feelings of awkwardness and ignore any curiosities they may have."
Susie Squire, of campaign group the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "This is not only a waste of taxpayers' money but also completely patronising to police officers.
"It is the job of the police to fight crime not to spend thousands of pounds on dispensing common sense.
"Every police officer and every normal person would take this sort of thing for granted. It is totally unnecessary."
However, Ian Latimer, chief executive of Northern Constabulary, defended the guide saying: "Officers have to make decisions and take action in a variety of situations, therefore it is imperative we enhance their knowledge and understanding.
"This is an extremely useful resource for staff. It is important our communities are given the respect and professional service they deserve."