'Blue Envelope Program' To Help Those With Autism In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — Having to pull over for police can be anxiety-inducing, and is particularly so for those on the autism spectrum. Mayor Carmen Amato and Chief Kevin Santucci have announced a new initiative to assist with just that.

“This program is highly successful in other towns in the state. The Blue Envelope Program was brought to my attention by a resident of our community. Having been involved with the autism community over the years with 'Light it up Blue' and the 'Strike Out Autism Challenge', along with different autism groups in our town, I thought it was a good program to have here. I discussed it with Chief Santucci and we immediately began working on its implementation,” Amato said.

Here's how the program works. When a driver on the autism spectrum is pulled over, they can hand the officer a blue envelope.

This envelope will contain their driver's license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and an emergency contact card.

On the outside of the envelope are instructions for the driver, like keeping their hands on the wheel and a reminder that the officer may shine a flashlight into the car.

The reverse side will have instructions for the officer, like simplifying requests and to reach out to the emergency contact if the driver becomes upset. A checked off box will also show if the driver is verbal or non-verbal.

“The Blue Envelope Program will help to avoid miscommunication between our officers and drivers that are on the Autism Spectrum,” Santucci said.

If you or a family member would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, stop at Berkeley Township Police Headquarters, located at 631 Pinewald-Keswick Road or call their non-emergency main number 732-349-1132 Ext: 2126 and an officer will drop off your blue envelope.

This program is currently only available to Berkeley Township residents.