THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM

A Resource for Drivers with Autism

 

The Blue Envelope Program helps drivers with autism and other individuals with special needs to communicate with a police officer during a traffic stop.

Participants can pick up a blue envelope at their local police department and store their license, registration, and insurance card in the envelope to better facilitate a calm and effective interaction during a traffic stop, which could be stressful to someone.

Police officers will be trained to see and understand what the blue envelope signifies, and that the driver might have sensory or communication differences.

Reach out to autism advocacy organizations in your area or your local sheriff’s office to obtain a blue envelope.

Those interested can also reach out to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office at 518-487-5400 or by contactsheriff@albanycounty.com

Those interested in learning more about the program are asked to contact Sgt. Montanya at amontanya@dutchessny.gov or call (845)-486-3834.

Drivers with autism can contact Kate Murphy, Director of Community Wellness, at kmurphy@greenesheriffny.gov to obtain one.

Those interested in obtaining an envelope or just looking for more information can contact Lieutenant Justin Smith at 518-853-5500.

Town of Chester

Town of Woodbury

Anyone in Rensselaer County looking for more information or to obtain an envelope is asked to contact Kristine Cauwenberghs at 518-266-1903 or kcauwenberghs@rensco.com.

Town of Clarkstown

The envelope can be requested by emailing the Sheriff’s Office, sheriff@saratogacountyny.gov, with “Blue Envelope Program” listed in the subject line. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the envelopes are free for those who need it.

The Blue Envelope can be picked up at the Schenectady County Sheriff’s substation, 130 Princetown Plaza, in Princetown. Those interested in the program can also visit the Sheriff’s Office website or contact Sergeant Jeffrey Iovinelli through email, Jeffrey.iovinelli@schenectadycountyny.gov.

Those who are interested in joining the program can pick up an envelope at the Law Enforcement Center, 399 Broadway, in Fort Edward, or one can be sent to you. If you’d like one sent, call 518-746-2475 or email the Sheriff’s Office, contactsheriff@washingtoncountyny.gov.

Town of New Castle

New Rochelle

Village of Mamaroneck/ Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont

The program is also available in Cayuga, Cortland, and Seneca counties, but the New York State Sheriffs’ Association is working to get it into every county across the state. Those who would like a blue envelope should visit their local sheriff’s office.