Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw and police officials from multiple jurisdictions unveiled the program during a brief ceremony at the Medford police department on April 29. The Blue Envelope is a mechanism for drivers to alert officers if they have special needs, so that behavior, mannerisms and unconventional responses to questions will not be misconstrued as disrespectful or threatening.
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw and police from multiple jurisdictions have unveiled a countywide program that reduces stress for drivers with autism and other special needs during police traffic stops.
The Blue Envelope Program is a mechanism for drivers to alert officers to the fact that they have special needs, so that behavior, mannerisms and unconventional responses to questions will not be misconstrued as disrespectful or threatening behavior.
“The Blue Envelope Program will ensure safer and calmer interactions with law enforcement and those on the autism spectrum by setting clear guidelines and expectations for clear communication,” Bradshaw said.
The items that officers will access inside the blue envelope include a driver’s license, vehicle registration, current insurance card and emergency contact information. The program has been embraced by the county’s Police Chiefs Association, which invited officials from the Autism New Jersey nonprofit to a recent meeting on its benefits.
“It is a worthwhile program that I think Burlington County will be very successful with,” noted Medford Police Chief Arthur Waterman, “as it will benefit all those with autism who are traveling our roadways and make interactions with law enforcement that much safer and build that trust and collaborative partnership with our community.”
The chief of investigations for the county prosecutor, Patrick Thornton, said the envelope program is designed to be simple and has proven beneficial to law-enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions. It was piloted in Connecticut and Arizona and first implemented in New Jersey’s Hunterdon County.
“All that is required of the driver is to hand the blue envelope to the officer,” Thornton explained. “That will enable the officer to provide clear instructions, which in turn eliminates confusion and greatly reduces the stress and anxiety associated with the traffic stop.”
The program is in effect throughout the county and residents can pick up an envelope at their local police departments.
“The Blue Envelope Program is an organizational tool for the autistic driver,” stated Autism New Jersey’s Doreen Yanik. “And, more importantly, (it is) an immediate, visual cue … at the point of (police) interaction, which gives law enforcement an opportunity to say, ‘Perhaps this particular interaction requires a different approach.’
“It’s a more meaningful and safe interaction, and it will definitely keep the roads safer for all involved.”
