Naugatuck Police To Participate In Routine Traffic Stop Event

Information via Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders

NAUGATUCK, CT — Officers from the Naugatuck, Watertown, Waterbury and Southern Connecticut State University police department will perform practice routine traffic stops with drivers and passengers with autism during an upcoming event.

According to a news release provided by the Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University, the event is scheduled to take place April 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Watertown High School, located at 24 French Street in Watertown.

During the event, participants will learn how to effectively utilize the Blue Envelope while stopped by a police officer.

The Blue Envelope is a Connecticut DMV program that provides a blue colored envelope with written instructions to assist motorists with autism spectrum disorder navigate a traffic stop. The envelop also alerts police officers that the individual has autism so that enhanced communication can be reached between the two, according to the center.

A traffic stop can be upsetting for all individuals, however it can have an even greater impact on an individual with autism, according to the center. This program is designed to alleviate some of the stress this situation may lead to by giving individuals an opportunity to interact with an officer in a much less traumatic way.

Participants will utilize their own vehicle for the practice sessions. Before practice stops, participants will review the process of using the blue envelope and what to expect at a traffic stop, as well as meet and interact with some of the officers from the police departments, according to the center.

Watertown police and Sun, Moon, & Stars, Inc. will host a meet-and-greet at the Watertown Police Station directly after the traffic stop practices. According to the center, this provides an opportunity for families with children on the autism spectrum to meet Watertown police officers, as well as for officers to meet families.

The meet and greet will include a short presentation, meeting officers and a tour of the Watertown Police Station, according to the center.

Families will also be able to meet Watertown Public Schools' resource officers and canine officer. Lite refreshments will be made available.

Any family that has not already registered their child with the WPD's New Autism Safety Program, Linked- Autism Safety Project, will have the opportunity to do so in person or online. Anyone who has already registered their child will have the opportunity to update their information in person or online.

Participants are asked to bring a 2”x 2” updated photo of their child or register online here.

Drivers must have a current license, car, registration, and insurance. One support person is welcome to attend.

Participants are asked to only register children/individuals with autism. Siblings are welcome.

The event is presented by the SCSU Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sun, Moon, & Stars, Inc. and the Watertown, Waterbury, Naugatuck and SCSU police departments. Registration is available here.