Beginning Tuesday, Cherry Hill residents can pick up special blue envelopes at the Police Department as the Township joins several others across New Jersey participating in a special program intended to smooth communications during traffic stops between police and autistic drivers.
"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."
Envelopes are available at the Cherry Hill police headquarters window, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 820 Mercer Street, according to the Township.
"Being stopped by a police officer can make anyone anxious. For an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the heightened situation, flashing lights, and sounds of radios and other noises, can be even more overwhelming," according to the Township website.
"The Blue Envelope Program reflects the Township's ongoing commitment to ensuring all our residents, including those with autism, are treated with dignity and respect," Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher said in a statement Friday announcing the debut of the program.
Added Police Chief John Ostermueller: "The goal of the Blue Envelope Program is to improve understanding, reduce stress and ensure the safety of all parties involved. The blue envelope is a simple but powerful tool that can make a big difference for people with autism as well as for our law enforcement officers."
Individuals on the autism spectrum or others impacted by communications disorders can sign up for a special designation on their driver license.
Blue envelopes and the message they communicate are spreading across the nation. 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.
Other police departments in the 70and73.com area participating include those in Evesham, Moorestown and Medford.
The Camden County Prosecutor's Office and Camden County Commissioners on Sunday also announced a blue envelope program, with the official kick off scheduled for Tuesday.
In New Jersey, drivers impacted on the autism spectrum or impacted by other communications disorders also can sign up for a special designation on their driver license. Click here for more information from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
In Cherry Hill, questions can be directed to the police department's Community Response Unit at copps@cherryhillpolice.com or by calling (856) 488-7813, according to the Township.
