If you are not in uniform, what is a good way to identify yourself as an officer with someone who is hearing impaired?

Using a hand signal of a "C" over your heart is an effective method to identify yourself as an officer to someone who is hearing impaired because it provides a visual cue that is universally understandable. This gesture signifies a police officer and can convey your authority and intention without the need for verbal communication, which may not be effective for someone with hearing difficulties.

This method also respects the environment around you, allowing for clear communication without reliance on sound, which may not be perceivable to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing. The signal is widely recognized and helps establish a connection, reassuring the individual that they are interacting with law enforcement.

In contrast, having them feel your badge may not always be safe or practical, as it requires close physical proximity and may not clearly communicate your identity. Speaking louder does not address the communication barrier effectively, and writing your badge number down might not immediately establish your identity as an officer without further context. Therefore, the hand signal option stands out as the most effective choice in this situation.