Blue Envelope Program

IMG_0739Caregivers know better than anyone, the struggles that are faced by those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is sometimes difficult to communicate properly with those who have ASD. The “Blue Envelope” was created to help those with ASD, as well as Police Officers, in the event of a motor vehicle stop. 

The primary goal is to aid those drivers with document organization and to educate them about what to do during a motor vehicle stop. Please review the Blue Envelope and the Emergency Contact Form with those under your care and create a plan customized to their needs. Madison Police Department is available to help assist with the plan. The Blue Envelope also helps the Police Officer by identifying those with ASD and guides them on how to better interact with them. Police Officers currently receive training on how to recognize those with ASD, the Blue Envelope with buttress that training. 

Inside the Blue Envelope you should place a color photocopy of the individuals driver’s license, vehicle registration card and insurance card. The Emergency Contact Form is located on the letter you will receive with the Blue Envelope. Please list several emergency contacts to ensure that someone is reachable. Be sure to place a Blue Envelope in each vehicle that is operated by the person with ASD. 

To help is better interact with the person with ASD, please review these steps with them:

  • Keep your hands on the steering wheel until otherwise directed, even if the officer is not at your car.
  • Remember, the officer may sine a flashlight in your car, may have a radio, and may have flashing lights on their car.
  • When the officer gets to your car, say: “I have a Blue Envelope”
  • Answer the officer’s questions and ask the officer before moving any part of your body.
  • When the officer tells you, slowly get the Blue Envelope that has your driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance card and hand the Blue Envelope to the officer.
  • The officer will go back to their car to check your information, and you will need to wait for the officer until they come back.
  • When the officer comes back to your car, they will explain why you were stopped and will tell you when to leave.

Blue Envelopes are available to be picked up at Madison Police Department, located within the Public Safety Complex at 62 Kings Road, Madison, NJ. 

This program is brought to you by Madison Police Department, Morris County Police Chiefs Association, Morris County Sherriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

For more information, please contact Corporal Stephanie C. Aquino of the Madison Police Community Relations Unit at 973-593-3034 or AquinoS@rosenet.org.