Elmira Police Announce "Blue Envelope" Initiative To Assist Drivers With Autism

Photo courtesy of Elmira Police Department Facebook page

The Elmira Police Department announced today that it is adopting the Blue Envelope Program which is an important safety program for drivers with autism.

The Blue Envelope Program is an initiative designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with conditions that may affect communication, such as autism. Drivers with autism can place their license, registration, and insurance inside the blue envelope and keep it in their glove box. During a traffic stop, they can present the envelope to an officer, immediately signaling that the driver may need additional communication support, accommodations and the officer can adjust his or her own actions and reactions to fit that situation.

Participation is completely free, does not require registration, and no personal data is collected.

Drivers wishing to obtain a Blue Envelope for themselves should feel free to stop into the Elmira Police Department. The driver will be provided an envelope for use and can ask questions regarding the program.

Elmira Police Chief Kristen Thorne says that the main objective of this program is to foster safety, reduce stress, and ensure effective communication between police and community members.