The Demarest Police Department announces a new program to help with Autism Spectrum Disorder during a traffic stop. It’s called the Blue Envelope Program. Being pulled over by a police officer can make anyone anxious. For someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can cause even greater issue, between the heightened situation, the flashing lights, the sounds of radios, and other noises.
That’s why the Demarest Police Department started a Blue Envelope Program. We are trying to avoid any misunderstandings between our officers and drivers that have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope.
The driver will keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and an emergency contact card inside the blue envelope.
The outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, like keeping hands on the wheel, the officer may shine their flashlight in the car and the police car may have flashing lights.
On the reverse side of the envelope, it tells the officers what to do, like simplifying requests and if the driver becomes upset contact a person on the emergency contact card.
A checked off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.
If you or a loved one would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, please stop at the Demarest Police Department located at 118 Serpentine Road or call our main number (201) 768-1540 and an officer will drop off your blue envelope. This program is currently only available to Demarest residents.
DRIVER IS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
Driver is: Verbal
Non-Verbal
Blue Envelope Program
Driver Instructions:
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Keep your hands on the steering wheel until otherwise directed, even if the Officer is not at your car
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The Officer may shine a flashlight in your car, may have a radio, and may have flashing lights on their car
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When the Offier gets to your car, let them know you have a blue envelope, answer the Officer's questions, and ask the Officer before moving any parts of your body
POLICE AUTISM SPECTRUM AWARENESS GUIDE ON BACK OF ENVELOPE
IMPORTANT VEHICLE PAPERS
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Driver's License
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Vehicle Insurance Card
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Vehicle Registration
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Contact Card
POLICE OFFICER HELPFUL TIPS:
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Driver may exhibit signs of anxiety due to bright lights and noise (your radio)
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Driver may display repetitive body movements or fidgeting and may have unsual eye contact
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Speak clearly, and use the most simplistic explanation possible, limit unnecessary details
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Allow driver time extra time to respond, driver may need more time to formulate a response
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Clearly tell the driver when the stop is over and when they can leave
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If the driver becomes upset, consider contacting person listed on contact card in blue envelope
BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
CONTACT CARD
I HAVE AUTISM
MY NAME:______________________
MY GUARDIAN/PARENT:______________________
THEIR PHONE #:____________________________
SOMEONE ELSE I KNOW:____________________
THEIR PHONE #:____________________________
MY LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
______________________
I AM AUTISTIC
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I MAY HAVE TROUBLE COMMUNICATING
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EYE CONTACT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR ME
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I AM EASILY OVERWHELMED BY INTENSE SENSORY INPUT, SUCH AS SOUND AND LIGHT
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WHEN I AM SCARED OR FRUSTRATED, I MAY ACT AGGRESSIVELY
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IF I AM LOST OR IN TROUBLE, MY EMERGENCY CONTACT IS ON THE BACK OF THIS CARD
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PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH ME
THANK YOU