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Purpose

The Blue Envelope Program was designed to help build a relationship between Law Enforcement Professionals and community members with a disability or condition where additional accommodations or awareness could be helpful. We recognize that it can be a nervous experience for people to be pulled over or to otherwise have a police interaction.
 

About

DSAP is proud to offer the Blue Envelope Program to local Law Enforcement Agencies and organizations. The program is designed to be an awareness tool between law enforcement professionals and community members with a diagnosis such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, anxiety, or conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.

This program began in 2020 in Connecticut and was later picked up by other police departments in such as New Jersey, New York, and California.

How it Works

The Blue Envelope Program works by allowing an individual to readily display the Blue Envelope logo or present a Blue Envelope upon contact with law enforcement or other community service personnel.  In presenting this to the officer, it will identify if the driver is verbal or nonverbal. The envelope also lists suggestions for the driver such as keeping their hands on the steering wheel, expecting that there may be a flashlight shined in the car, there may be flashing lights behind them, and they may hear a police radio. The Blue Envelope can contain the individual’s identification, contact information or pertinent vehicle operations documents such as registration and proof of insurance.

The other side of the envelope lists to the officer that the driver may be anxious because of the flashing lights, flashlight, and police radio. It lets the officer know that the driver may exhibit repetitive body movements or fidgeting and may have unusual eye contact. It suggests that we speak clearly and keep things simple. Inside of the envelope is an emergency contact list where the driver or loved one has listed the names and telephone numbers of relatives and others whom we may call if needed. 

The Blue Envelope Program does not have a registry component; therefore, all components of the program are voluntary and self-implemented.
 

If you would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, please contact Erica Koch at ekoch@dsapmaine.org.