Galloway Township Police Department

Blue Envelope Program

The Galloway Township Police Department has partnered with the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police and launched the Blue Envelope Program to improve interactions between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and police officers during encounters such as traffic stops. Being pulled over by a police officer can make anyone anxious. For someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can cause an even greater issue, between the heightened situation, the flashing lights, the sounds of radios, and other noises.

The program provides a blue envelope to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder which contains written information and guidance for both the individual and the police officer. This guidance is designed to help facilitate effective communication, making contacts safer and less stressful for all parties involved.

If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope. The driver will keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and an emergency contact card inside the blue envelope. The outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, like keeping hands on the wheel, the officer may shine their flashlight in the car and the police car may have flashing lights. On the reverse side of the envelope, it tells the officers what to do, like simplifying requests, and if the driver becomes upset contact a person on the emergency contact card. A checked-off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

If you or a loved one would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, please stop and pick up a Blue Envelope at the Galloway Township Police Records Unit, located at 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road or call our main number (609) 652-3705 - Ext. 300.