The Public Security Directorate continues to enhance its service system for people with hearing disabilities, through the "Deaf 114 (Deaf JO 114)" application, which allows deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate directly with the main operations room (911) in sign language, around the clock.
According to statistics, the number of incoming calls via the application since its inception until September 16, 2023, reached approximately 20,614, of which 6,618 reports were dealt with on the ground, most of which were for reporting various emergency cases, traffic accidents, and cybercrimes.
Since the beginning of this year until the same date, the application has received 4,890 calls, with 1,161 reports, representing about 24% of the total reports, making the daily average during the current year about 18 calls and 6 reports.
The indicator also shows that approximately one-third of the calls (32% since inception, and 34% in the current year) are converted into reports that require security or emergency intervention.
The service was launched in 2014 with a dedicated emergency line for the deaf (114), and in 2020, it was developed in cooperation with specialized volunteers.
In 2023, the application was launched on the "App Store" and "Google Play" stores, with a video service in sign language, before being updated in 2024 with the addition of the "Call Back" service. Work is still ongoing to develop it according to user needs.
The sign language interpreter in the operations room (911) receives the video call, collects basic information from the caller, including their location, the type of report, and the presence of injuries or existing danger. This information is then entered into the emergency report management system (OnCall), and the report is referred to the relevant authorities with the indication that the submitter is a deaf person. If additional information is needed, the ambulance officer in the room intervenes to translate the dialogue and provide the concerned parties with the details. The operations room follows up on the report with the relevant authorities until it is concluded.
The Public Security Directorate's efforts in this field have included translating security issues in various agencies into sign language, translating awareness publications issued by the Directorate through its platforms, in addition to translating cybersecurity and electronic fraud awareness campaigns, and translating the theoretical exam for driving licenses for the deaf.
The project won first place globally in the "Project Zero" awards for 2016.
