The Chelmsford Police Department is proud to announce our participation in the Blue Envelope Project.
The Blue Envelope project is a joint endeavor dedicated to creating a safer and more supportive atmosphere for drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. This initiative resulted from a collaboration involving the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Massachusetts State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and The Arc of Massachusetts, with valuable contributions from individuals with autism and their families.
The Blue Envelope program addresses several key objectives:
• Providing officers with immediate, accessible information about autism promotes empathy and patience, leading to more positive interactions;
• The envelopes serve as a visual cue that helps officers adjust their communication style, thus reducing anxiety for the driver;
• The printed guidelines make it easier for officers to communicate effectively with individuals with autism, even in high-stress situations like traffic stops; and
• For persons with autism and their families, it encourages preparedness—by keeping their important documents in the envelope and understanding how to present them during a stop, drivers can feel more confident and secure.
To get an envelope, visit the Main Desk at the Chelmsford Police Department, drop by a State Police Barracks, or complete this online form to request mailing.
