Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | December 8, 2023
A quickly-growing nationwide program to help residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other sensory conditions interact with police during emergencies, traffic stops or other potentially stressful situations has come to Scotch Plains.
It is known as the Blue Envelope Program, serving as a community-wide commitment to enhance safety, inclusivity and understanding of Scotch Plains residents who have sensory issues.
Here’s how the program works:
It allows an individual to readily display the Blue Envelope logo or present a Blue Envelope upon contact with law enforcement or other community service personnel. Scotch Plains police immediately recognize the individual has special needs, giving them better understanding of the situation and any potential impairments the resident may have.
Each of these Blue Envelope-branded products contain the individual's identification, contact information or pertinent vehicle operating documents, such as the vehicle registration and proof of insurance. By having all the information in one orderly place, it can ease the transaction with the officer.
The materials will alert law enforcement personnel to any condition or disability requiring special assistance or accommodations, serving as a means of preventing potential confusion or misunderstandings.
On the Blue Envelope, a checked-off box indicates whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal, which aids officers in communicating effectively. Additionally, officers are urged to contact the person listed on the emergency contact card for assistance if needed.
To prepare for the program, Scotch Plains police underwent specialized training to develop a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the best practices for engaging with individuals during traffic stops. Our officers are now well-versed in the proper protocols; they are eager to put their training into action.
It is important to note this program is completely voluntary and self-implemented. There are absolutely no requirements that a resident in Scotch Plains carry a Blue Envelope.
This is a superb program, designed to promote inclusivity and to build even stronger bridges between the Scotch Plains police and those who might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction. The Blue Envelopes are part of a full countywide roll-out, involving all 21 municipalities.
Scotch Plains police are partnering in this program with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Department, the Union County Police Department, and the Union County Police Chief’s Association.
According to Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, all of these law enforcement entities quickly recognized the significance of the Blue Envelope program and “swiftly united” to get to work. “We take immense pride in the dedication and effort invested in the training and implementation of this program and I am looking forward to seeing its successes,” he said.
Anyone who would like to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder can call 800.4.AUTISM. There is information about treatment, service navigation and more. You can learn more about the Blue Envelope program by clicking here.
