The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, has launched a countywide Blue Envelope program with the goal of creating safer and more positive interactions between law enforcement and individuals with Autism and other communication disorders.
Through the program, individuals are provided with a blue envelope to store personal identification to give to an officer during a law enforcement encounter, whether it be a traffic stop or a pedestrian in need of emergency assistance. The envelope provides law enforcement with immediate information about sensory disorders to reduce the likelihood of miscommunication.
“One of our goals in law enforcement is to identify ways we can better support the needs of our residents,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. “Nationwide, the Blue Envelope program has proven to be a valuable tool when communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are proud to implement a countywide program to see that officers are using a standardized approach to communicating with those who may have a sensory disorder.”
Blue Envelopes have been provided to all municipal police departments to distribute to their communities and include visual communication cards and emergency contact information.
"Hudson County's Blue Envelope program will greatly serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a project rooted in partnership between the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services and the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office," said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. "The Blue Envelope program's purpose is to increase safety measures that
result in better interactions with law enforcement and improve overall outcomes during motor vehicle stops. All of Hudson County is determined to work together to provide the best care and service for our community, especially our vulnerable residents."
Hudson County’s Blue Envelope program was coordinated by Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Megan Connell and Hudson County Mental Health Administrator Kayla Hanley. Prior to launching the program, representatives from all Hudson County police departments were invited to participate in a training led by the North Jersey based nonprofit, Baker Street Cares. The training provided multiple strategies and communications examples for officers to use when in touch with individuals with sensory difficulties, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, non-verbal/communications disabilities, age-related issues, and more.
“The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and all of its participating departments are truly leading by example, and we are beyond proud to partner with them to provide Sensory Supportive certification training,” said Dr. Joseph Galasso, Psy.D, President of Baker Street Cares. “It is the goal of our foundation to positively impact the lives of the especially vulnerable people in our communities, not just by providing them with effective communication tools and enhanced access to care, but also by educating those who interact with them on a daily basis and therefore, have the potential to change their lives for the better.”
The training was sponsored and supported by the Hudson County Chiefs of Police Association. A recorded copy of the training is being provided to each department to share with any additional officers who wish to view it in its entirety.
“Hudson County’s Police Chiefs and Directors are committed to providing our law enforcement officers with all resources necessary to serve their communities,” said Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller, President of the Hudson County Chiefs of Police Association. “We are happy to have helped bring this program to Hudson County to ensure we meet the needs of all residents, regardless of their abilities.”
Individuals interested in obtaining a Blue Envelope are encouraged to contact their municipal police department for more information about how to participate.
