BUFFALO, N.Y. – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia announced today that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has adopted the Blue Envelope Program, which is being launched by the New York State Sheriff’s Association this week.
The Blue Envelope Program is intended to enhance police-citizen interaction, with a specific focus on drivers who have autism. Participants will receive a blue envelope and are encouraged to keep important documents – such as a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information – in it. In the event a police officer asks the individual for that information during a traffic stop or other interaction, the production of the blue envelope will alert that police officer to the fact that the person has autism. Deputies of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office have been made aware of the meaning of the blue envelope. Sheriff Garcia encourages all police officers across New York State to familiarize themselves with its significance.
“I am thrilled to join my fellow sheriffs across New York State in launching the Blue Envelope Program,” said Sheriff Garcia. “As we know, individuals who have autism may exhibit behaviors that are beyond their control. This is a valuable tool to help enhance and improve our ability to communicate with them.”
Drivers with autism can contact Mitch Martin, Chief of Community Services, by emailing Mitchell.Martin@erie.gov to receive a blue envelope.
The adoption of the Blue Envelope Program comes one month after the Erie County Sheriff’s Office launched its ‘Handle With Care’ Registry, which allows caregivers to share a description of a person’s special needs, triggers and calming methods. This allows first responders to provide improved care for those individuals.