The New Hanover Township Police Department has joined other Montgomery County Police Departments with the newly released Blue Envelope Program. This program is designed to help vehicle drivers who have conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communications challenges, dementia, anxiety or other conditions that might impair their ability to communicate easily during a traffic stop, car accident or other on-the-road interactions with police officers. The program also raises awareness among police regarding this population of drivers and the kind of driver reactions they may observe during a traffic stop.
When the officer approaches the vehicle during a traffic stop, the driver is instructed to inform the police officer that they have a Blue Envelope and then hand the officer the envelope. Inside the blue envelope, the driver is instructed to place a copy of their driver’s license, automobile registration and proof of auto insurance along with a form that includes information about the driver’s special needs and a contact person, if necessary, to assist with the interaction.
The Blue Envelope Program has been implemented in other parts of the country for autistic drivers. The Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association enthusiastically supported the idea and added other types of driver conditions beyond ASD to make this program more inclusive.
The special Blue Envelopes are available for free to all residents at police departments across Montgomery County. We have plenty available in the lobby at New Hanover Township Police Department, so please stop and see us for an envelope if you believe this program could benefit you, a family member, or a friend.
