BUILDING SAFER INTERACTIONS
WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT:
THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
The Blue Envelope Program helps individuals with communication differences navigate encounters with first responders — calmly, safely, and with dignity.
✓ Free ✓ Voluntary ✓ No registration required ✓ No diagnosis disclosure required
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM?
The Blue Envelope Program is a communication resource for individuals with Autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), or those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. It’s designed to help these individuals feel safer and more supported during interactions with law enforcement.
For drivers, a Blue Envelope can be handed to an officer during a traffic stop. It holds your license, insurance, and registration, and includes space on the outside for communication notes. Families are also encouraged to include a Healthcare Passport, which helps first responders quickly understand medical needs in the event of an accident.
Law enforcement partners across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties have been trained to recognize the Blue Envelope and branded materials, and will use a more inclusive approach during interactions.
FOR NON-DRIVERS TOO
BEYOND THE ENVELOPE
Because many individuals with communication differences don’t drive, the program has expanded to include wearable and carry-along items that can be used in the community or as a passenger in a vehicle. Officers are trained to recognize the Blue Envelope branding on all of these items.
Blue Envelopes
Seat Belt Covers
Lanyards
Bracelets
Keychains
Stickers
License Plate Frames
Pins
You never need to disclose a specific diagnosis when requesting the envelope or branded materials.
Participation is completely voluntary and no registration is required.
To participate you do NOT need to:
• Register or sign up
• Show show your ID or license
• Show proof of diagnosis
• Show a note from your doctor
GETTING STARTED
HOW TO USE THE PROGRAM
Pick up your materials
Visit a participating local police department or sheriff’s station. Contact your agency beforehand to confirm availability and the best way to pick up supplies. Click here or scroll down for a list of locations in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Prepare your envelope
Fill in communication notes on the outside of the envelope and place your license, insurance, and registration inside. Drivers should keep it tucked in their visor. We encourage families to include a Healthcare Passport in the envelope. It helps first responders know about medical needs if there’s an accident.
During a traffic stop
When an officer approaches, simply hand them the completed Blue Envelope with your documents enclosed.
In the community
Non-drivers can wear or carry branded items. If approached by law enforcement, officers will recognize the logo and adjust their approach.
WHAT IT COMMUNICATES
WHAT THE BLUE ENVELOPE SIGNALS TO OFFICERS
When an officer sees the blue envelope or branded materials, they understand the individual may need a different kind of approach:
Extra processing time
Sensitivity to lights or sounds
Difficulty with eye contact
Different communication style
IMPORTANT NOTE
A NOTE FOR CAREGIVERS & PARENTS
The blue envelope is intended to assist drivers who have a communication barrier — not parents or caregivers transporting a passenger with a disability. If you are driving someone who has a communication barrier, notify the officer as soon as they approach the vehicle.
PICK-UP FOR FREE
FIND A LOCATION
We are grateful for the many Law Enforcement agencies and Fire Departments across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties that have partnered with us to help make our communities safer and more inclusive.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
* Barstow Police Department
* Chino Police Department (flyer)
* Fontana Police Department
* Fontana Unified School District Police Department (IRC Press Release)
* Ontario Police Department
* Ontario Fire Department (only flyer and envelope – no branded materials)
* Redlands Police Department
* San Bernardino Police Department
* Upland Police Department
* San Bernardino County Sheriff Department: Stations include Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear, Central. Chino Hills, Colorado River, Fontana, Hesperia, Highland, Morongo Basin, Needles, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, Twin Peaks, Victor Valley, Victorville, Yucaipa
* Coming Soon: American Medical Response (AMR), Rialto Police Department, San Bernardino County Fire/ Office of Fire Marshal
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
* Menifee Police Department
* Riverside Police Department
* Riverside County Sheriff Department
* Stations include Cabazon, Colorado River, Hemet, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Lake Matthews, Moreno Valley, Palm Desert, Perris, San Jacinto, Southwest (Temecula), Thermal
