As of January 1, 2020, the Trumbull Police Department is participating in the Blue Envelope program which provides information and guidance to drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder during their encounters with police. This is in compliance with the Connecticut General Assembly Bill No.: HB-5559 which assists individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in providing a voluntary way to identify themselves to Law Enforcement. This program is also designed for Law Enforcement to increase awareness by police in these situations, since there are certain procedures that change when they engage with a person that has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Blue Envelope is designed to hold their motor vehicle operator’s license, registration, insurance identification card, and any other documents they are going need during an interaction with Law Enforcement. The outside of the blue envelope provides information and ways to enhance effective communication between a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a police officer. On the front of these blue colored envelopes are instructions for the drivers and on the backside are instructions for the police officers on what either can expect during these interactions.
The blue envelopes are available at the Trumbull Police Department to those interested in participating in this program. The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles partnered to create this system to enhance these delicate interactions. For more information on the Blue Envelope program visit: portal.ct.gov/DMV-Blue-Envelope.