The Belleville Police Department is proud to announce a new program to assist people with autism spectrum disorders during traffic stops. It is called the Blue Envelope Program.
Being stopped by a police officer can make anyone nervous, but for someone with autism spectrum disorder, it can be even worse because of the tense situation, flashing lights, radio noise, and other sounds.
That’s why the Belleville Police Department has created a Blue Envelope Program to try to avoid misunderstandings between our officers and drivers with autism spectrum disorders.
When someone with an autism spectrum disorder is stopped, the driver presents the blue envelope. The driver keeps his or her driver’s license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance in the blue envelope.
The outside of the envelope tells officers what to do, such as simplifying requests or, if the driver is upset, contacting a person named on the envelope.
A checked box also indicates whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.
If you or someone you know would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, please contact Sgt. Anthony Abate at 973-450-3348 or email [email protected]If you do not make it to the police headquarters, an officer will bring your blue envelope.
Further information can be found here
