Cherry Hill, Evesham/Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees and elsewhere near the iconic state highways of Routes 70 and 73.
Last Wednesday was World Autism Awareness Day and some law enforcement agencies observed the day by debuting their participation in the Blue Envelope Program, with a goal of improving communications between police and autistic drivers during traffic stops or similar encounters.
"For law enforcement officers, the blue envelope serves as a visual cue, alerting them to modify their approach when communicating with an autistic driver," according to nonprofit Autism New Jersey. "Officers are encouraged to practice patience, use simple language, and allow extra time for the individual with autism to process information."
Cherry Hill, Camden County and the Camden County Prosecutor's Office began distributing their versions of the blue envelope, which can hold documents for a driver with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other communications issues.Â
The outside of the envelope provides information for both the driver and police officers.Â
"Driver may exhibit signs of anxiety due to bright lights and noises (your radio)," the envelope advises officers.Â
Many police agencies nationally have begun distributing their blue envelopes. Of course, an envelope distributed in one jurisdiction can be used anywhere the blue envelope is recognized by police officers.
The program was piloted in Connecticut and Arizona and was offered last year for the first time in New Jersey in Hunterdon County, according to Autism New Jersey.
News of the program last week (click on each item to read article):
