Jacksonville Sheriff's Office offers new ways to communicate with hard of hearing

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is making an effort to improve communication between officers and people with hearing difficulties.

A virtual Deaf Cop Chat is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday to allow some of the thousands of hearing-impaired residents in Jacksonville to learn more about the Sheriff's Office's Text-to-911 service and newly designed placards for use during interactions.

The online chat is organized by Jacksonville's Center for Independent Living and the Sheriff's Office. Certified sign language interpreters and closed captioning will be provided.