Mary Byrne
Belmont police are joining a growing number of communities participating in the Blue Envelope Program, a state initiative to foster a “safer and more understanding environment” for drivers with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodiversities.
As part of the program, drivers can now place their license and vehicle registration in blue envelopes, which are now available at the police station on Concord Avenue. The envelopes indicate to responding officers at traffic stops that the driver has autism spectrum disorder.
“This is just one more way for them to identify that an officer should address [a driver’s] behavior and their interactions accordingly,” said Police Chief James MacIsaac. “It only has to be helpful once to make it worth it.”
In general, the envelopes may help lower tensions at traffic stops.
“These kinds of things help … with communication,” MacIsaac said. “There’s no misunderstanding. Communication can be misconstrued and misinterpreted. … It also helps the police officer because if a police officer misinterprets cues or actions, the officer could end up getting in trouble or doing something they don’t want to do, or [get] into a situation they don’t want to be in.”
The Blue Envelope Program grew from a partnership between the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Massachusetts State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and The Arc of Massachusetts. It aims to enhance understanding between parties, reduce anxiety, streamline communication, and encourage preparedness.
The blue envelopes are available at any state police barracks or the Belmont Police Department. MacIsaac said the station has about 50 and can get more if needed.
Residents can call 617-484-121 2 to check on availability.
“Even if it helps in one instance, it’s successful,” he said.
