“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 with an ASD 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” (NPS-AID) Supports the Blue Envelope Program:

Any time a disabled community partner joins the “National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals” program and resides in a NPS-AID supporting chapter jurisdiction where the “Blue Envelope Program” is in use, the oversight agency has the ability to quickly send notice via the NPS-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 NPS-AID membership enrollment.

All agencies that adopt the “Blue Envelope Program” create thier own enrollment process and the exact steps can vary from agency to agency since there is no centralized program or support system for Blue Envelope. All supporting NPS-AID chapter agencies are provided special access to essential resources to help agencies create, launch, and manage their own “Blue Envelope Program”, such as envelope templates, draft policies and more, reducing the burden and simplifying the process.

For information or assistance on how once your agency becomes an NPS-AID chapter you can easily launch and integrate a Blue Envelope program in your jurisdiction, please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.

SAMPLE BLUE ENVELOPE