Deaf Row Cop Takes On Police

From: Mirror.co.uk - UK - Aug 9, 2005

By Lucy Thornton

AN award-winning special constable is taking action against the police force that won't give him a job because of a hearing impairment.

Dennis McCoy, 39, has put in 1,000 voluntary hours in the last 12 months and made 41 arrests in two years.

And he was named Special Constable of the Year in his region in February.

But the West Yorkshire force has turned him down for a full-time job because he suffers from tinnitus in his left ear - despite having other officers with hearing aids.

Mr McCoy, from Bradford, has now launched a disability discrimination case.

He said: "I love the job and I feel frustrated that I've been left with no option."

The textiles boss had been unaware he suffered from tinnitus until he failed a police medical in 2003.

But an independent consultant said his hearing could be brought up to minimum standard with an aid.

He said: "It seems bizarre they allow me to basically do the same job as a regular officer in an unpaid role."

The force said it will not comment until the tribunal.

© 2005 Mirror.co.uk