Reading Police Department Reminds Residents of Blue Envelope and SafeWatch Programs

READING — Deputy Chief Christine Amendola and the Reading Police Department would like to remind residents of the following programs geared toward assisting community members. 

The Blue Envelope Project was created in the Commonwealth via a partnership among the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Massachusetts State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and the ARC of Massachusetts, along with input and advice from individuals with autism and their loved ones. The project sets out to improve and evolve interactions between law enforcement officers and those on the autism spectrum.

This program offers a simple blue envelope to any driver on the autism spectrum. The driver can store any and all vital driving documents, such as registration, driver’s license/learner’s permit, etc., in an easy-to-find envelope in an accessible location to be provided to police in the event of a traffic stop.

The outside area of each envelope contains key tips and instructions to guide law enforcement members who may encounter someone on the autism spectrum.

The blue envelopes are available at any State Police barracks and at the Reading Police Station at 15 Union St. For more information about the program, click here.

The goals of the program are to enhance understanding among law enforcement officials, reduce anxiety and stress for drivers who are on the autism spectrum, streamline communication between police and those on the spectrum even in potentially high-stress situations like traffic stops, and to encourage preparedness on the part of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Since the Blue Envelope Program is sponsored and has been adapted by the Massachusetts State Police, Reading residents making use of the program can experience seamless interactions in future traffic stops, whether local or state officials initiate the interaction.

Reading Police also participates in a SafeWatch Program, a voluntary program for residents to submit important information about their loved ones or family members, which will assist police in the event of an emergency. 

Through the program, the department compiles information about residents who may have a disability or condition that puts them at greater risk for wandering from their home or safe spaces. This can include those who are hearing or vision impaired, those on the autism spectrum, or those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The SafeWatch program works by storing information that will help police locate a missing individual, like photos, physical description, known places the individual visits, and more.

To register for the program, residents should complete the SafeWatch online form, here or by calling the Reading Police Department at 781-944-1212.

“The department is committed to the safety of our residents, and these programs allow us to better assist and support those residents who may be more at risk,” said Deputy Chief Amendola. 

###