“Blue Envelope Program”

What is the “Blue Envelope Program”?

The “Blue Envelope Program” is an initiative that is not mandated, but adopted by many law enforcement agencies across the United States, designed to help facilitate smoother interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops.

When a person who operates a motor vehicle and is participating in the “Blue Envelope Program” is stopped by law enforcement, the driver would present the blue envelope containing their important documents and instructions for officers to better understand their needs and communicate effectively during the encounter; essentially signaling to the officer that the driver may require additional support due to their ASD.

What is the purpose of the “Blue Envelope Program”?
To minimize misunderstandings and potential escalation during a traffic stop by informing officers that the driver has ASD.

What’s in the envelope
The blue envelope typically holds the driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and emergency contact information.

Instructions for the driver:
The outside of the envelope may include instructions for the driver, such as keeping hands on the wheel and being aware of flashing lights.

Instructions for officers:
The reverse side of the envelope may provide guidance for officers, like simplifying requests and contacting emergency contacts if needed.

Who can access it?
Individuals diagnosed with ASD or their families can obtain a blue envelope from their local police department that has adopted the service.

“National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” (PS-AID) Support

Any time a disabled community partner joins the “National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals” program and resides in a PS-AID supporting chapter jurisdiction where the “Blue Envelope Program” is in use, the oversight agency has the ability to send notice via the PS-AID system to the member which will provide the participant with information about the program and how to enroll. This notice will be delivered via email once the member completes their PS-AID membership enrollment.

Please keep in mind, the PS-AID program is not associated or directly involved with any “Blue Envelope Program” and simply provides an automated function to allow PS-AID program supporting chapter agencies to easily alert appropriate PS-AID disabled community participants of the option to explore the “Blue Envelope Program”. While all agencies that utilize the “Blue Envelope Program” follow a similar procedure for enrollment, each varies and the steps needed to participate will be slightly different agency to agency.

Please contact your local law enforcement agency to learn more.

SAMPLE BLUE ENVELOPE (WILL VARY AGENCY TO AGENCY)