Police in Passaic County have a new program to help people with autism spectrum disorders with traffic stops.
It is called the “Blue Envelope Program” and was launched by the Passaic County District Attorney’s Office.
Several communities and cities like Passaic participate in the program.
The envelope is a simple but effective tool to help drivers with the necessary documentation and enable them to communicate safely when a vehicle is stopped or involved in a traffic accident.
When someone with an autism spectrum disorder is stopped, the driver shows the blue envelope.
The driver keeps his driving license, vehicle registration document, vehicle insurance and an emergency contact card in the blue envelope.
“I think this is a very pragmatic approach to ensuring that interactions between police and high-functioning individuals with autism or autism spectrum disorder are good for everyone,” said Passaic Mayor Hector Lora.
Participants are instructed to place a copy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance and emergency contact card in the blue envelope.
When someone with an autism spectrum disorder is stopped, the driver shows the blue envelope – and tells the police officer everything he or she needs to know.
Lora hopes the initiative will become a nationwide program.
