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Council highlights 'blue envelope' program to improve traffic stops for drivers on the autism spectrum
Summary
Council members described a new blue-envelope program and officer training from the Attorney General’s Office and county prosecutors intended to change how police handle traffic stops involving drivers on the autism spectrum.
Council members described a new program intended to help police recognize and adapt to motorists who are on the autism spectrum.
Council member George said the Highland Park Police Department will implement a “blue envelope” program in which a driver on the autism spectrum can keep identification, registration, insurance and other documents in a marked blue envelope to present during a stop. He said officers are receiving training from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and county prosecutors on how to adjust engagement during those stops.
“...when that driver presents the blue envelope, the officer knows to engage in a different kind of conversation and a different kind of a stop,” George said during his report. He said the program is expected to help officers and drivers have “appropriate” interactions in particular stops. No ordinance, contract, or funding source for the program was discussed at the meeting.
Council member George also reviewed other police-related community events, including a rescheduled bicycle rodeo for May 30 at Bartle School and a swearing-in ceremony for two new officers on June 3 focused on community-based policing.
