Suffolk police are offering a new tool to help people with hearing and speech impairments.

Police officers' mobile tablets have a new app that allows them to instantly communicate with residents who have trouble hearing or speaking.

Officials say it will help speed up traffic stops, home visits, and responses to emergencies.

“The days of having to wait for an interpreter to arrive on the scene and communicating with paper and pen… Those days are over in Suffolk County,” says Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Suffolk police currently have 155 tablets installed in patrol cars.

Once the program is fully rolled out - there will be more than 450 tablets in use.