The Wheat Ridge Police Department announced last week that it is partnering with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to launch a Blue Envelope Program throughout Jefferson County. The nationwide program is “designed to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with autism or other forms of neurodivergence.”
The Neighborhood Gazette reported that the Boulder Police Department was the first police department in Colorado to participate in the Blue Envelope Program. The department first announced its participation in the program in January.
The program is optional and specifically designed for people with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or other conditions that might require more awareness from law enforcement during an interaction.
Those who opt into the program will fill out a blue envelope with important information about their condition or special needs and hand the envelope to an officer during a police interaction, such as a traffic stop. Individuals should keep the blue envelope on their person or in their vehicle’s glove compartment for easy access.
Now, more than a dozen agencies within both Boulder and Jefferson counties are participating in the program. Blue Envelopes are available at all five Jefferson County DMV locations and are also available upon request at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Lyons Substation, Nederland Substation, and Superior Substation.
According to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, the Blue Envelope Program has “gained national recognition among first responders for its ability to improve communication during high-stress situations. Because it does not require a sign-up, diagnosis, or any personal documentation, it remains a fully accessible and voluntary tool for individuals who want to indicate they have different communication needs.”
