The Blue Envelope initiative launches in Somerset County in efforts “to assist any law enforcement officer in the county when they encounter an individual that has special needs during a motor vehicle traffic stop,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
The initiative was launched across the Garden State during Autism Awareness Month in April. The program was announced at a Somerset County board of commissioners meeting on April 22.
“Programs like Somerset County’s blue envelope program can help officers and drivers alike to slow down during a potentially stressful situation, help officers recognize that a driver might need some accommodations, and help drivers communicate their needs,” said Autism New Jersey’s Director of Law Enforcement Initiative Doreen Yanik. “Autism-friendly practices like the blue envelope can help make the road safer for everyone, and we’re so thankful to our partners in Somerset County for launching this program.”
The Blue Envelope Program was created to facilitate and assist both law enforcement and motorists with autism spectrum disorder during motor vehicle traffic stops. The program provides motorists (free of charge) with a blue envelope which would contain essential information and credentials of the motorist along with instructions for law enforcement officers that would assist them during a traffic stop, according to a press release through the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
“In our diversity statement, which my fellow Commissioners and I approved in 2018, we state that we ‘recognize, value, and embrace the uniqueness of each individual’,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “The adoption of the Blue Envelope Initiative is one example of our following through on these important sentiments. Somerset County is a richly diverse county, made vibrant because of each unique resident.
“This initiative facilitates a more inclusive, and safer, motor vehicle traffic stop experience for motorists with autism spectrum disorder. I am thrilled our prosecutor’s office, our sheriff’s office, and our municipal police force are willing to take this step to help serve all our residents better. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all involved for initiating this vital program.”
“The Blue Envelope Program is an important tool for law enforcement officers to interact with and protect persons with autism,” added County Sheriff Darrin J. Russo.
Hillsborough Township Police Chief Mike McMahon, president of the Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police, followed saying they are proud to partner in the program, which will assist “in having a positive encounter” between officers and persons with autism.
Anyone interested in obtaining one of the Blue Envelopes can pick one up at their local municipal police department within Somerset County. Residents can also go to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office website at www.somersetprosnj.gov for more information.
