The Board of Legislators today announced the launch of the Blue Envelope Program in Westchester with County Executive Ken Jenkins surrounded by leaders from Westchester County Public Safety, the Office for People with Disabilities and several autism advocacy groups in the Legislative Rotunda. This initiative is designed to foster calm and effective interactions between law enforcement and drivers with autism and other disabilities during traffic stops.
Participants receive a blue envelope to store their license, registration, and insurance information which alerts officers that the driver may require additional accommodations. The envelope will also contain guidance for both drivers and officers to ensure safe and productive communication during traffic stops.
Drivers should place blue envelopes in an easy-access location like a sun visor or glove compartment. If stopped by police, they should tell offices they have one a blue envelope in the car, then retrieve and hand it to the officer.
Jenkins said: “Implementing the Blue Envelope Program in Westchester was an easy decision. It creates a simple way for drivers with autism or similar disabilities to discreetly communicate their condition, while providing helpful information to police officers during a routine traffic stop. These blue envelopes will help to reduce anxiety for drivers, as well as give law enforcement officers a clear indication that the driver may require more patience, or an alternate communication method. The Blue Envelope Program will ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for everyone involved.”
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to George ‘Duff’ Bailey, a constituent whose advocacy on behalf of his adult son with autism brought the Blue Envelope Program to my attention. Blue Envelope exemplifies how community engagement leads to meaningful change, creating safer interactions between law enforcement and individuals with communication challenges. Good for law enforcement, good for the autistic community, good for Westchester. We are proud to partner with County Executive Ken Jenkins to launch this important initiative, a real step toward a more inclusive and understanding Westchester.”
Majority Whip Terry Clements (D- New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor), Chair of the Board’s Public Safety Committee, said, “This program directly addresses critical gaps in roadside communication, giving officers vital information and providing peace of mind to families of drivers with autism, dementia, and anxiety disorders. As Public Safety Committee Chair, I've championed initiatives that protect our most vulnerable residents while strengthening community-police relations. The Blue Envelope Program accomplishes both objectives.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr (D- Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook), Chair of the Board’s Human Services Committee said, “One of the most meaningful things we can do in government is to implement policies and laws to ensure that all of our residents are safe and are treated fairly and respectfully. The Blue Envelope initiative transforms routine traffic stops into opportunities for understanding and cooperation. Evidence from other jurisdictions demonstrates its effectiveness in preventing misunderstandings that could escalate unnecessarily. By giving officers immediate awareness of communication needs, we're creating safer interactions for drivers with disabilities, law enforcement personnel, and our community as a whole.”