NYS Sheriffs' Association rolls out new Blue Envelope Program
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The New York State Sheriffs’ Association unveiled its new statewide initiative to protect individuals on the autism spectrum. The Blue Envelope Program is similar to the Yellow Dot Program, where it aims to assist first responders in providing medical care to individuals who are unable to communicate during emergencies or police officers in traffic stops.
The president of the New York State Sheriffs' Association and the Delaware County Sheriff, Craig DuMond, said the program was created to streamline communication between the driver and officer during a traffic stop.
"We all know that traffic stops can be a nervous situation for any of us," Sheriff DuMond said. "But for people with autism, there are special concerns with those individuals. The bright flashing lights, the sirens, and the sudden sounds they can create stressful situations for people with autism. It's also a stressful situation for the police officer making that traffic stop; they don't know what to expect when these traffic stops are happening."
Drivers are expected to place their driver's license, car registration' and insurance card inside the envelope, and when stopped by a police officer, let that person know that you have a blue envelope. The envelope has directions on both sides for the driver and police officer. University of Albany Center for Autism Executive Director, Dr. Kirstin Christodulu said this program can help de-escalate a potentially high-stress situation.
"The blue envelope program is a way to use communication and ease interactions and improve safeties for both the driver with autism also the law enforcement agency," Dr. Christodulu said.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said departments will train all deputies statewide so they know how to conduct a traffic stop when they encounter someone with autism.
"As officers, you go through a 28-29-week academy, and you are expected to solve all the world's problems, have a master's degree in social work, and everything else," Sheriff Apple said. "These are the things that we really don't know how to handle and when you don't know, you don't know."
The New York State Sheriffs' Association is working to get the blue envelopes to every county in the state. Those who would like a blue envelope should visit their local sheriff's office.