B OYNTON B EACH P OLICE D EPARTMENT OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS
100 East Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33425
Michael Gregory Chief of Police
Phone (561) 742-6191 Fax (561) 742-6185
A CFA Accredited Law Enforcement Agency
Stephanie Slater Public Information Officer SLATERS@BBFL.US (561) 436-4806
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 17, 2018
Police to give deaf residents device to improve communication In honor of Deaf Awareness Month, the Boynton Beach Police Department is expanding its efforts to improve communication with residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. The latest initiative is the purchase of the Pullover Pal, a canvas waterproof pocket that folds over the driver’s window for the officer to see immediately when approaching the vehicle. It contains a card that tells the officer that the driver is deaf, and it also holds insurance & registration documents. Officers will give Pullover Pals to deaf or hard of hearing residents during the City Commission meeting on Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, 2240 N. Federal Highway. In addition, Deaf Services at Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Inc. will receive a proclamation from the City of Boynton Beach for Deaf Awareness Month. “We are proud to participate in this program as the benefits to the deaf, as well as officers, are immeasurable,” Police Chief Michael Gregory said. “We embrace this program as another element of our community policing philosophy.” The Pullover Pal is free to deaf or hard of hearing residents. It is paid for through Florida Statute 316.1955, illegal use of disabled parking permit, which carries a $250 fine. The statute allows for 2/3 of the fine to be used to improve accessibility and conduct public awareness programs. The City of Boynton Beach has purchased 75 Pullover Pals for Boynton Beach residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information, contact Debbie Majors, grants and ADA coordinator, at 561-742-6241 or majorsd@bbfl.us.