Indianapolis Officer Reunited With Deaf Student
A viral interaction between an IMPD officer and a deaf student has highlighted the role of sign language in policing.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Language Learning
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Officer Anthony Johnson of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reunited with 9-year-old Mark Braster at the North District station. Their initial meeting at a Colts game has gained widespread attention, with a video of the interaction reaching 14 million views.
Why it matters
The meeting aims to advocate for increased American Sign Language proficiency among law enforcement personnel. By demonstrating the importance of inclusive communication, the participants hope to bridge gaps between police and members of the deaf community.
Officer Anthony Johnson has seven years of service with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The student, Mark Braster, is 9 years old and was born deaf.
The players
Anthony Johnson
Anthony Johnson is an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department who has served for seven years.
Mark Braster
Mark Braster is a 9-year-old student who was born deaf and recently met with a local police officer.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of Indianapolis.
The details
Mark Braster and his mother visited the IMPD North District to meet with Officer Johnson following their chance encounter. Officer Johnson, who studied American Sign Language in college, used his skills to communicate directly with the student during the visit.
Timeline
Officer Johnson and Mark met at a Colts game in September 2026.
The pair visited the IMPD North District on September 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
This interaction aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act's requirements for effective communication in law enforcement. It reflects a broader movement toward proactive accessibility in public service that goes beyond simple statutory compliance.
The visit highlights the availability of officers trained in American Sign Language within the Indianapolis community. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing may find it beneficial to know which local stations prioritize these communication skills.
The takeaway
Learning American Sign Language can significantly improve interactions between public servants and residents within the deaf community. Individuals interested in supporting similar initiatives can seek out local resources to improve their own communication accessibility.
Further reading
Learn more about the importance of inclusive communication in Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox 59.
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Should local police departments require officers to learn basic American Sign Language?
