Find Out More About Swampscott Police's New 'Blue Envelope' Program

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The Swampscott Police Department is inviting residents with family members on the autism spectrum to participate in the voluntary "Blue Envelope" program that aims to make it easier for officers to interact with drivers and their family members.

The program is in collaboration with The Massachusetts State Police, The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, The Arc of Massachusetts, and makes Blue Envelopes available at the Swampscott Police Department as well as any Massachusetts State Police Barracks.

Residents receive the state-issued blue envelope that contains their essential documents, license, registration, and a contact card. It's designed as a tool for communication and understanding. The exterior of the envelope clearly identifies the operator as someone with autism spectrum disorder, providing instructions for officers on how to enhance communication or reduce anxiety during traffic stops or incidents.

More information on the program can be found here.

Those unable to stop at the Swampscott Police Department due to being housebound can email Officer Brian Wilson at bwilson@swampscottpolice.com, and an officer can deliver an envelope to you.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)