I am submitting this petition to raise a matter of serious concern, both personally and for the wider Deaf community.

Following a police interview, I raised a formal complaint regarding the British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter provided. I did not feel that the interpretation accurately reflected what was communicated, leaving me feeling misunderstood and vulnerable at a critical moment.

As a result, I requested a different interpreter - a reasonable and necessary step to ensure clear and fair communication. However this request was refused. This decision left me feeling powerless, unheard, and without confidence in the process.

I trusted that my concerns would be taken seriously, yet no appropriate action was taken. This experience has a significant impact on my mental wellbeing and has left me with a deep sense of injustice.

This is not just a personal issue - it raises serious legal and systemic concerns.

Accurate communication is essential within the criminal justice system. Without it, fairness, transparency, and due process are at risk. When a Deaf person cannot trust the interpreter provided, their ability to fully participate and be understood is fundamentally compromised.

Under the Equality Act 2010, public authorities, including the police, have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure effective communication for disabled people. This includes providing appropriate interpreting services and responding properly when concerns are raised.

Refusing a request to change an interpreter, particularly where confidence has been lost, is a failure to meet this duty. It places Deaf individuals at a clear disadvantage and risk undermining the integrity of the justice process.

Furthermore, the lack of appropriate action in response to this complaint raises serious concerns about accountability and oversight. Deaf people must be able to trust that their communication needs will be respected and protected.

No one should feel silenced or misrepresented in situations that carry serious consequences.

I also raised concerns with the National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people (NRCPD), but they declined to investigate. This raises further concerns about accountability and standards.

We are calling for:

• Proper recognition and investigation of this complaint.
• The right for Deaf individuals to request a different interpreter without being refused.
• Stronger accountability and standards for interpreters in legal settings.

This must not happen again - not to me, and not to anyone else. No one should feel misrepresented in situations that affect their rights and future.

Please support this petition to protect fairness, dignity, and equal access to justice for Deaf people.