Supporting Autism Awareness: Broome County’s New Blue Envelope Program

On September 30th, The Broome County Sheriff's Office announced a new program to create a safer, more understanding environment for interactions between law enforcement and individuals and families with autism.

During the announcement, the Sheriff's Office notes that being pulled over by a police officer can make anyone anxious, and for a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can cause an even greater issue, between the heightened situation, the flashing lights, the sounds of radios, and other noises.

According to the Broome County Sheriff's Office, the Blue Envelope Program focuses on these points:

• Enhancing Awareness and Understanding: The Blue Envelope provides officers with quick access to essential information about autism, fostering empathy and patience for more positive interactions.
• Alleviating Stress and Reducing Anxiety: Traffic stops can be overwhelming for individuals with autism. The Blue Envelope acts as a visual signal, helping officers modify their communication approach to ease the driver’s anxiety.
• Facilitating Communication: The envelope includes practical guidelines for officers, enabling effective communication with individuals with autism, even in high-pressure situations like traffic stops.
• Promoting Preparedness: The Blue Envelope serves as a resource for individuals with autism and their families, encouraging them to organize important documents and confidently present them during a stop, enhancing their sense of security.

We work every day to create a safer, more inclusive community for all our residents of Broome County. No matter where you are in our community, you deserve to feel safe, and today’s partnership is an important step toward helping drivers and passengers with autism have positive interactions with police on the road. - Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar

Individuals with autism and their families are provided with a blue envelope, insert card, and Blue Envelope Program vehicle sticker. Outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, and the officers what to do as well.

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When someone with autism is pulled over, the sticker helps inform the officer that either the driver or the passenger has autism and might need additional assistance or understanding for a successful interaction.

For more information and to request your envelope and sticker, contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Team at 607-778-1168.