Texas police department hires first deaf female officer

A Texas woman is making history after being sworn in as the state's first deaf female police officer.

[@HonestlyAnnaFun]

She is perfect for police vs deaf citizens. Making communication better instead of misunderstandings.

[@salvagemonster3612]

Yes. So that once a year she may be called out.

[@Jaden-y7e]

​@@salvagemonster36122 Replies

[@greg4055g]

With all due respect, how can she hear gunshots or her fellow officers on the radio?

[@d2r457]

She probably has to have a partner with her at all times. Otherwise idk how else it would work out

[@michaelsinger2286]

That was my very first thought. Hmm...maybe she isn't going to be on patrol and if she is maybe she will have to always be with a partner. Imagine yelling for her to help you while your fighting with a suspect and she is sitting in the unit oblivious to your cries for help. Liability? Hmmm...i'd really have to think this one through if I was the Chief and had to sign off on her application.

[@nickvslife2013]

D2R she is still putting officers at risk

[@Mysticsam86]

My second thought was: She need to be able to have a good speech so people understand was she is saying.

[@tac6557]

You know she can hear enough to do the job... If she couldn't they' would have stopped her at the academy. I suggest you learn about types of hearing inpairment, before you pass judgement.

[@PipByMac]

Next, we'll have a blind officer drive around to check on pedestrians

[@deliverybryan1138]

She also has my total respect . Congratulations 🎉

[@kainitzel6876]

People need to shut up with all of their rude comments! Yeah she’s deaf, but the only thing that doesn’t work is her hearing. But she has something called a cochlear implant that helps her to hear. She is fully capable of this job with or without a hearing aid or a CI. The disabled communities are always being underestimated, but she is breaking that barrier. We need more people like her. Maybe not the same exact job, but we need more disabled people to take high positions and/or very important jobs. Unfortunately they can’t because they’ll be rejected, or the job they want isn’t willing to accommodate them. I really hope she’s successful in this field. She’s worked so hard to get there. Imagine what she can do when people give her a goddam chance!

[@laurendoll9024]

Exactly!!!! I'm honestly so surprised and disappointed at how many clueless and ignorant people are leaving such rude comments. They all just need to F off because she can do this job way better than they can.

[@amybarrier5228]

Yes I agree

[@amylittlefield3659]

To the idiots who dont realize she can hear thanks to COCHLEAR IMPLANTS, she can do this job just like a hearing person! My son is deaf and has cochlear implants. He too can hear a whispered conversation across the room, so a gunshot or someone talking on the radio CAN be heard also. In fact, let's add to the list of things this woman CAN do besides speak several languages and SIGN in 5 languages, she can read lips. Do you have any idea how much of a help this is? She can do all the things any of the hearing officers do, but she is labeled deaf and has cochlear implants. Kudos to the department for seeing what a benefit she is!

[@joakimes]

Amy Littlefield If she can hear so well, why dose she talk if shes completely deaf. If she could hear wouldnt she be able to hear her own voice and compare it to others? Just curious:p

[@amylittlefield3659]

joakimes: The tone of her voice does not mean she cannot be a police officer and do her job. Also, did you realize that people who are deaf have other heightened senses? So while you make fun of, or talk down to or about her or them, they can smell your breath half a room away, or they can feel the vibration your feet make when you walk. We willingly accept that a dog can do a job of an officer but it can't talk. Maybe you should give her a chance to prove herself because she has needed to prove herself all her life and work 10 times harder than the hearing officer. Do some research, so you don't sound so uneducated and bigoted.

[@griz312]

Amy Littlefield at the start of the video I couldn't even understand what she said.

[@dominick8656]

@@amylittlefield3659 If the deaf have these superhuman abilities then we should have all deaf police departments.

[@masontalarico7090]

Ah yes, here's the ableistic Deaf perfectionism that I was looking for. I expected it but I'm still disappointed.

[@randybobandy3840]

Well done Erica, Also she can sign in 5 different languages, thats cool, I always thought sign language was universal I had no idea there were different versions.

[@laurendoll9024]

I know, I'm so happy for her. All of these comments are saying she can't do it or that she shouldn't be allowed to do it, but that makes me so mad because she can.

[@zengseng1234]

Does every country have the same spoken language? Why would sign language all be the same?

[@yodelissosa7791]

@Nonconsensual Snuggles Seriously⁉️⁉️ GROW UP!! It's the 21st Century!! And Of Course their going to give her accommodations!! STOP BEING SUCH A TROLL!!!! PLUS SHE HAS AN IMPLANT!!!! I THINK THEY'VE THOUGHT THIS THROUGH!!!!

[@yodelissosa7791]

@@zengseng1234 No need to be sarcastic!! I used to think the same thing!! I used to think: "Sign Language" Not "American Sign Language and tons of others for other Countries ; I just thought that it was universal so that it would be easier for the deaf/hard of hearing communities 🚨No One is BORN KNOWING🚨

[@janicecagan-teuber5485]

It's not different versions, it's different languages. My husband is Deaf & from Germany. He uses German Sign Language (DGS) & American Sign Language (ASL). They are not the same.

[@usmcproud8501]

Once again lets swap out public safety for pc nonsense.

[@life4fireforever273]

I have a deaf cousin whom I stand up for and I say this is insane

[@vicious-pi3rd]

Exactly!

[@yodelissosa7791]

I am half-deaf and this Woman motivates me soo much!! [ I was born with: - Microtia(no left ear; no ear drum; can only feel vibrations; about 11 surgeries since 7 years old; was once about to be fitted for a BAHA, a bone-hearing-implant, but couldn't afterwards) ALSO: A FEW OTHER PHYSICAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WITH SURGERY(About 16 Total) I WOULD SO APPRECIATE IT IF EVERYONE WOULD STOP BEING SO DISRESPECTFUL TO HER!! 🚨She has a Cochlear Implant!!🚨 Now, I wasn't qualified in the past to get the BAHA( I have no ear drum in my left ear and this device would allow me to hear through my bone and sound waves) because I was born with several other physical disabilities and it was too dangerous for me, BUT These types of devices HELP SO MUCH!!!! (PLUS: I don't even think we know if she was born deaf or got it afterwards!! -- Many people who are Deaf or Hard-Of-Hearing ARE CAPABLE OF MANY SKILLS!! SUCH AS: - Reading Lips - Our ears may not be sharp but our other senses are doubled!! - understanding and reading body language more closely - etc. etc. SHOW SOME RESPECT!!!! EVERYONE IS ALWAYS SAYING: "FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS" BUT THEN THEIR CRUSHED!!!! You should try doimg your research and see how hard it actually is to be accepted into nearly every law enforcement/military agency; She Has Marked HISTORY and I LOVE HER CONFIDENCE AND BRAVERY TO FACE WHAT MANY WITH HER CONDITION, WILL AVOID MAY GOD BLESS HER MANY AND THAT SHE COMPELTE MANY MORE MILESTONES UP AHEAD IN HER CAREER !!!! 💝💝🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@UrFav.DeafRedhead]

I was born with stickler syndrome but lost my hearing later in life alttough, my hearing isn't profound so I have hearing aids, I still identify as deaf though

[@yodelissosa7791]

@@UrFav.DeafRedhead Thanks For Sharing!! Yes, You're Still A Part Of The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing HOH Community!! Welcome!! 🥰🥰💕💕

[@UrFav.DeafRedhead]

@@yodelissosa7791 tysm!!

[@rachelhudson7068]

This is an inspiring story! May God bless this police officer! She is a very intelligent person to be able to sign in 5 different languages!

[@serignedamediop4849]

Ok

[@Plague_Doc22]

As long as shes not on the field. I dont mind.

[@bigcahoona7931]

Plague Doc oh no....she'll be in the field

[@amybarrier5228]

... Wow

[@raine420]

Amy Barrier wow what?

[@danielkaz6280]

Thank you for your service

[@hijodepuuu]

I would not hire her. Nothing against her but working as a police officer all your senses must be on point. It dangerous for her and others.

[@judah3574]

First of all, she is not Deaf. She is hearing impaired. A Deaf person dont wear a hearing aid because they're "deaf." Duh. A hearing aid isnt gonna do anything for them. Second of all, a totally Deaf person cannot speak. This woman speaks...hints, she's hearing impaired. Meaning, she lost her hearing later in life and already learn how to speak before she lost her hearing. So, the correct way to refer to her situation is that she is Hearing Impaired or Hard of Hearing. Not Deaf. A Deaf person have no need for a hearing aid nor does they know how to speak. So, this is not the first Deaf Person. If she was truly deaf, she would NOT have gotten the job as a Police Officer if she have to be out on the streets. That's a risk totally outside of her element as a Deaf Human Being.

[@deficator750]

thays inspirational. shes an adult and she passed the tests so theres no reason she should'nt be given the job. bravo!

[@n1c98]

Yes! Awesome :)

[@krystenchiszar293]

I really want meet deaf police I like to talk to her I want learn from her i guess want work with her i am deaf i can't hear bec i am deaf and i want work inside with police office or stay in police car

[@DatCityBoy504]

I heard her perfectly loud and clear, she's going to do well.

[@pointly]

More power to her. Best of luck officer! Thank you for becoming part of the thin blue line.

[@claudeyaz]

I hope she only does desk/liason/communications work.. This would be so dangerous

[@claudeyaz]

Wouldn't hear someone coming up behind her

[@samjam1623]

You can hear gun shots with a cochlear implant and can definitely hear a radio

[@ignatiaaverina2703]

everyone who wonders, she uses hearing aid, so she'll hear a gunshot, or anything that you guys commenting on before. She doesn't speak well because she probably has the hearing aid not long before, so she's still have trouble with speaking. Huge respect for Erica, and respect for Texas PD. God Bless

[@blazeroranger]

All depend on batteries. If you OUT then good luck. It even isn’t waterproof lol!

[@ballisticbadger9955]

What batteries?? 🤨😐🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️....

[@blazeroranger]

@@ballisticbadger9955 cochlear implants are operating by batteries. Lol

[@chinookh4713]

I got hearing aids I just carry batteries with me and make sure I change them constantly I am a volunteer firefighter and it hasn't effected me to be honest even hearing people can't hear at times

[@willie.j4098]

God bless her hope fully everything go well for her

[@beautifulleaves8616]

I'm proud and not trying to knock her at all...but have they weighed everything. Like if shes trying to tell a potential suspect instructions and they can't understand her. Or if someones shooting or idk even running at her from behind. I'm worried about her safety😕 Plus let's say she does everything right, sad to day someone is going to use the fact that she's deaf against her

[@williamherman9065]

Even though you are asking very poignant, intelligent questions, I am sure that sooner or later the PC Police and Cancel Culture will come for this comment. I agree, was everything evaluated carefully here? Did they take everything into account? I hope so. Truly I do. I am happy for this woman, but at the same time, I have so many questions about exactly how this will work out.

[@IDontPostPorn]

Citizen- "I'm having a heart attack!" Officer- "You're related to Ben Affleck?" Citizen- "NO! I'm going into cardiac arrest!" Officer- "No sir, you're not under arrest" Citizen- Xo

[@lucysky817]

Citizen: 'I'm having a stroke!' Officer: 'You're high on coke?'

[@IvanMTG1]

Terrible joke

[@chickenchips22]

I'm hearing impaired, I can relate to that sometimes

[@yodelissosa7791]

This is not even funny!! I am half-deaf and this Woman motivates me soo much!! I WOULD SO APPRECIATE IT IF EVERYONE WOULD STOP BEING SO DISRESPECTFUL TO HER!! 🚨She has a Cochlear Implant!!🚨 Now, I wasn't qualified in the past to get the BAHA( I have no ear drum in my left ear and this device would allow me to hear through my bone and sound waves) because I was born with several other physical disabilities and it was too dangerous for me, BUT These types of devices HELP SO MUCH!!!! (PLUS: I don't even think we know if she was born deaf or got it afterwards!! -- Many people who are Deaf or Hard-Of-Hearing ARE CAPABLE OF MANY SKILLS!! SUCH AS: - Reading Lips - Our ears may not be sharp but our other senses are doubled!! - understanding and reading body language more closely - etc. etc. SHOW SOME RESPECT!!!! EVERYONE IS ALWAYS SAYING: "FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS" BUT THEN THEIR CRUSHED!!!! You should try doimg your research and see how hard it actually is to be accepted into nearly every law enforcement/military agency; She Has Marked HISTORY and I LOVE HER CONFIDENCE AND BRAVERY TO FACE WHAT MANY WITH HER CONDITION, WILL AVOID MAY GOD BLESS HER MANY AND THAT SHE COMPELTE MANY MORE MILESTONES UP AHEAD IN HER CAREER !!!! 💝💝🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@weissewolfeweissewolfe2916]

@@yodelissosa7791 do deaf women moan when they have sex?are they louder?

[@dillongump2643]

Guess she can never be a field officer

[@rotciv1492]

Very politically correct. Also very, and I mean VERY stupid.

[@gonnabeok]

why not to hire blind officers too?...

[@Babygirlly555]

There are cops with glasses and contact lens. If I had to choose between working with a cop with glasses or hearing aids I would choose the deaf cop at least the deaf cop could see.

[@griz312]

Marlon White of you had to call for help which one would you choose.

[@Babygirlly555]

Let's see if the cop's glasses fall off he wouldn't able to see so he might shoot me by accident. So at least the deaf cop can see the target.

[@griz312]

Marlon White i wear glasses and it's not that hard to see and I am considered legally blind and still needed to pass a eye exam for LE.

[@Babygirlly555]

Good for you. Someone gave you a chance just like this girl deserves a chance.

[@traceyforrest4193]

She’s wearing cochlear implant so she can hear things like gunshots

[@sossikalkonen2724]

this has to be april fools lmao

[@VictorCruz-my6ht]

lovkal why

[@hayden9673]

@@VictorCruz-my6ht 30 mars

[@greatlakemommy545]

Stop it! Grow up!

[@markgab917]

I don't think this is a good idea I'm truly proud of her for wanting to do something like this but this is a serious job which requires you two have certent expectations and her being deaf will get in the way of her doing the job so I really don't approve

[@markgab917]

Let's be real this is out of control and it's not going to last long

[@johnnycash9735]

Very inspirational 😢😢😢

[@roB3rnd]

Well, good for her, bad for the community. This world has gone bonkers.

[@Babygirlly555]

Thanks to technology disabled people are doing a lot more than they used to. They run marathons, climb mountains. In New York there are amputees on both the Fire Department and police department. Gone are the days of disabled people being helpless.

[@TommyElijahCabelloReal]

It's better than having the disabled sit at home.

[@brendapowers5684]

great job ma'am thats right dont let anyone stop you or tell you that you cant

[@YoYo-thegfhf]

What's next ? A wheel chair cop ! Or handicap cop ?

[@workingguy6666]

Good for that department. I'm sure she will add to their communication talents with the languages, signing, and perseverance.

[@dudley5658]

This is Great. Now we need to work on hiring blind buss drivers.

[@BluesBoy-ij2rb]

That was a good one !!!

[@HatredOfMephisto]

bless you

[@revejmal]

I bet they put her on dispatch.

[@RavishingBeyond]

She won't be handing out too many loud exhaust or blaring music citations. So that's a positive.

[@suebrown7032]

🦋🤠she absolutely is an asset, has very keen senses🦅🏔im very proud to see this💙

[@peedinkus389]

If Family Guy doesn't parody this, I will never watch the show again.

[@cynthiajohnston9065]

Spanish? You mean Mexican Sign Language, or Colombian Sign Language? They are all different.

[@shilekagamer9329]

Yay for inclusion and chasing dreams and all but eh Isn't this a potential danger for her and the people she's supposed to protect?

[@chinookh4713]

No I am hard of hearing firefighter it not a big issue many don't realize what its actually like

[@mangravy2000]

The military has requirements for being able to hear without any aid for a reason. The same applies here even more since civilians are involved, our civilians. Hand to hand engagements in the dark it's easy to see the earpiece falling out. I suppose its up to the department but I can't see how this is a good thing. Amputees, obesity, blindness are just limited or impaired for this line of work. I don't think somebody from South Georgia should be doing LE on Long Island, NY due to language barrier.

[@TheDragorin]

dont be silly, american citzens matter way less than foreign militants. thats why cops dont adopt the "shoot only if shot at" policy.

[@brucekopping1287]

you have servicemen losing legs in Iraq and Afghanistan...….they end up getting prosthetics and return to active duty.

[@philiptant3141]

Say what?

[@irisallymarizenli7652]

Shut up

[@jaronjasso9664]

Subtitles? The only cc available are auto generated and don't make sense. 🤔🤔🤔

[@codypomeroy9040]

Any update about her how she been doing since she worked for two years now??

[@mashakalinkina7207]

Thats awesome!!

[@michaeltristano7320]

Please send auditors THERE

[@darenbergmann749]

She needs to comes to Alpine Tx

[@greatlakemommy545]

That is so awesome!

[@pepemunic3661]

beauty

[@progamerzach1]

There are big criminals out there who will not be afraid to kill a police officer...If she is capable to do her job well then good for her.

[@brianlippert3455]

Outstanding congratulations officer.

[@matthewjahnke6956]

She is cute. Congratulations on your hiring.

[@sherryduva5263]

I wish all departments have police officers that can speak and sign many languages. Keep on smiling

[@drewcounts4238]

I bet she will do great

[@Kixal07]

I litterally looked up my ps5 error code and this came up

[@keiraratzlaff7220]

oooo I want be police officer 😮😮😮😮❤

[@lighgblue2676]

Nice strategic choice. Its important for officers to be able to hear so why not hire a deaf one

[@kerie4641]

She is so pretty

[@jhershy3787]

I don’t think she can be a patrol officer, maybe if they have her on hand to be a translator

[@familysupportorganization2037]

hi

[@ramper50]

She might make a better cop under fire really.. Looks like she'll be able to hear gunfire, but wont be hindered by it. Also, when trying to deescalate, She'll be especially good with body language. Idk, we'll see I guess...

[@kasimp6607]

Yesss Sister in Blue!!!!

[@roberta-leehaines8067]

this is awesome

[@martamerced6580]

Yay! You are deserve dreaming become be police officer❣️

[@cloo2937]

Im crying tears of joy... CONGRATULATIONS young lady im very proud of u. Much love from Arkansas.

[@mixedman841]

Being a police officer involves a ton of communication. This is going to be difficult.

[@yodelissosa7791]

Yes, difficult yet Not IMPOSSIBLE SHE MOTIVATES OTHERS STRUGGLING WITH THE SAME THING

[@zxvivxz5753]

How? Her hearing is good now

[@drewcounts4238]

Congrats

[@michaelrogers172]

She's amazing! Thank you for proving that other's can accomplish just like you.

[@xBloodXGusherx]

Hope she succeeds.

[@m.savage8318]

Alright yes there is some fear for the safety of the public and the public representation she's going to give by her disability that may fall as a liability to the department and also the safety of fellow officers. But give it a chance, she can talk somewhat clearly, and better than some people I've heard. She accomplished a bachelor's degree which shows dedication and then she also had to complete a police academy which shows strength and most academies have mock calls you have to do to prove your psychomotor skills portion of learning. So she clearly passed that and PLUS people she isn't just going to get her own car and start patrolling the streets tomorrow , she has to complete a field training program supervised by an experienced officer. If you fail FT you basically get fired. So they are going to test out her real world skills and if they don't add up they'll let her go or just keep her on administrative duty at the station in fear of a lawsuit.

[@iamdoctorcat6347]

Deaf can do to become police but not army

[@chinookh4713]

Yes it dumb the army has so many jobs that need to be filled too many don't require hearing

[@np8channel10]

Merry Christmas and hope to get freedom gift in this Christmas after highly negilance from government plz

[@Fattyyyyx]

You go girl!

[@salvagemonster3612]

Oh good so now they will have to pay for a translator to be with her. Just wait to crap hits the fan. Nice cute try

[@78.BANDIT]

Sorry... Are you going to hire a blind man or woman? Or someone in a wheelchair? I have bad eye's it kept me out of the Military and law enforcement. So what's up with this? She gets into a fight an her implant gets ripped out of her head or broken. Then what?

[@Babygirlly555]

I see your point. I'm sorry that you weren't able to achieve your dreams of being a soldier and a cop.

[@chinookh4713]

We can still function without them

[@krystenchiszar7761]

I want meet deaf cop

[@ronastoudmire3120]

👏 congratulations

[@TheAmericanDreamChaser]

I love everything about this

[@antonujkic1991]

Insane

[@arielg7000]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@kamilkowalczyk4106]

Its like free weapon delivered to crime scene by female, like burger king but better :):):)

[@Vetusomaru]

the "muh inspiring" comments make me puke

[@GHOST-zy3ji]

mmmm no disrepect I think this is a bad idea

[@drewcounts4238]

Best wishes

[@Psydekick90]

Is this the onion?

[@jane27world]

What does it do?

[@griz312]

Not only is she deaf but all due respect I couldn't even understand what she said at the start of the video.

[@Gods-bad-boy]

Are you kidding me?

[@harshal3848]

Wow! We you deaf she do a police officers Good ?😮

[@markcooper3276]

how can she hear the police radio and respond? that's an important part of being a police officer.

[@Gazzi79]

I'm deaf and I always thought it's impossible for deaf people to work for police, Fire dept and EMT so I was suprised to see this video and like you I wonder how can she use a radio etc? but still fair play to the lady.

[@zxvivxz5753]

Do you not know what cochlear implants are?

[@Babu_Deaf_Artis]

Deaf Baba ARTST

[@Tox_sickle22]

Please show the 🌟 I'm from India.

[@marianamedina5649]

So proud of you 👏 🥰 💛

[@rahulpaul8668]

May God bless her.

[@flashinthepan3273]

DON'T SHOOT! I'M UNARMED! ...."whaa?"

[@mercygrace.]

Awesome 😇