Autism-Friendly Blue Envelope Program Available In Narragansett

NARRAGANSETT, RI — The Narragansett Police Department has implemented the Blue Envelope Program for drivers on the autism spectrum in the community and is distributing envelopes for those who wish to opt into the initiative.

The program, which was initially adopted in Connecticut but has now spread throughout the Northeast, aims to ease communication between people on the spectrum and police officers during motor vehicle stops.

In June, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed S2481 to adopt the Blue Envelope Program. Guidelines were established in conjunction with the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, and the Rhode Island Governor's Commission on Disabilities.

"While this bill will be formally adopted into Rhode Island legislature next year, the Narragansett Police Department identified this need for proactive communication and wanted to implement this initiative early to ensure that our community members can feel as safe and comfortable as they can, as soon as they can, while participating in a traffic stop," Lt. Kevin Bousquet, who is organizing the initiative, said. "Exchanges with law enforcement don't always have to be stressful, and we want to reinforce positive relationships with those who may respond differently when interacting with officers."

The specially designed envelope holds a driver's essential documents — license, registration, and a contact card — and is recognizable by trained officers. Instructions for both the driver and the officer conducting the motor vehicle stop are printed on the envelope to reinforce calm, positive interactions between drivers with autism and police officers.

Participation in this program is strictly voluntary for drivers with autism spectrum disorder. No state registry exists for people who wish to opt into the voluntary initiative, and information will not be shared with any other department, police said.

Envelopes can be found at the Narragansett Police Department at 40 Caswell St. Families may also fill out forms available at the police station to alert the department that family members may have special needs or disabilities to ensure that officers respond to emergency situations effectively.

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