In 2023, The Lower Salford Township Police Department joined a county-wide effort to assist special needs drivers and police officers during interactions. The Blue Envelope Program will help vehicle drivers who have conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communications challenges, dementia, anxiety or other conditions that might impair their ability to communicate easily during a traffic stop, car accident or other on-the-road interactions with police officers. The program also raises awareness among police regarding this population of drivers and the kind of driver reactions they may observe during a traffic stop.
When the officer approaches the vehicle during a traffic stop, the driver is instructed to inform the police officer that they have a Blue Envelope and then hand the officer the envelope. Inside the blue envelope, the driver is instructed to place a copy of their driver’s license, automobile registration and proof of auto insurance along with a form that includes information about the driver’s special needs and a contact person, if necessary, to assist with the interaction.
The exterior of the Blue Envelope indicates whether the driver is verbal or non-verbal and instructs the driver to inform a police officer that they have a Blue Envelope when the officer approaches the vehicle.
Instructions for the driver include:
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel unless otherwise directed;
• The officer may shine a flashlight in your car;
• When asked for your vehicle/driver documents, hand the officer this envelope.
Information printed on the envelope for police officers includes:
• The driver may show signs of anxiety due to bright lights and noises;
• The driver may have difficulty communicating and may not maintain eye contact;
• Clearly tell the driver when the stop is over and that they can leave.
Blue Envelopes can be picked up at the Lower Salford Township Police Department
