Morris County Police Participate in Blue Envelope Program

Morris County Launches Blue Envelope Program to Support Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Morris County, NJ - The Randolph Township Police Department, in collaboration with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Morris County Police Chief’s Association, has introduced a new initiative designed to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops. The initiative, known as the Blue Envelope Program, aims to prevent any misunderstandings between law enforcement officers and ASD-affected drivers.

The Blue Envelope Program works by providing a visual cue for officers during a traffic stop. Drivers with ASD can present the blue envelope, which will contain their driver's license, registration card, current insurance card, and an emergency contact list. The exterior of the envelope features instructions for the driver, such as keeping their hands on the steering wheel and being aware of flashing lights and noises. The reverse side of the envelope contains guidelines for officers, including simplifying requests and accommodating the driver's communication needs. A checkbox on the envelope indicates if the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

Morris County residents who would like to obtain a Blue Envelope for themselves, a family member, or a friend can visit the Randolph Township Police Department Records Bureau window. The envelopes are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For those needing a Blue Envelope outside of these hours, a police officer can assist in obtaining one. No medical documentation or formal diagnosis is required to receive a Blue Envelope

The goal of this program is to avoid any misunderstandings between officers and individuals with ASD. If someone with ASD gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope. The driver will keep a copy of their driver’s license, registration card, current insurance card, and an emergency contact list inside. The outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, like keeping hands on the wheel and a warning about the flashing lights and noises. On the reverse side of the envelope, it tells the officers what to do, like simplifying requests. A checked off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

If anyone needs a Blue Envelope for themselves, family, and/or friend, they are available at the Randolph Township Police Department Records Bureau window, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. During off hours, a police officer will be able to assist you in obtaining a Blue Envelope. No doctor’s note or diagnosis is needed to obtain a Blue Envelope.