TEWKSBURY – Chief Ryan Columbus would like to announce that the Tewksbury Police Department has created a video to highlight the department’s participation in the Blue Envelope Project, a statewide initiative to improve police interactions with individuals on the Autism spectrum.
The Blue Envelope Project was created 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 from individuals with autism and their families.
The project offers a blue envelope to any driver on the autism spectrum. The driver can store their vital driving documents — vehicle registration, driver’s license and a contact card — in an easy-to-find envelope that can be provided to police in the event of a traffic stop.
The outside of each envelope contains tips and instructions to guide law enforcement members who encounter someone on the autism spectrum.
The goals of the program are to enhance understanding among police, reduce anxiety for drivers 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.
Tewksbury Police have participated in the Blue Envelope Project since last year, but are continuing to highlight and draw attention to the program in the hope that they can reach even more individuals who are on the Autism spectrum.
Community Engagement Officer Jacob Saad recently worked with the Tewksbury TeleMedia Department and the police department’s intern, Michael, from the Autism Higher Education Foundation, to create a new video highlighting and explaining the program.
“This is an incredible program that truly helps both our officers and members of the public who are on the Autism Spectrum,” said Chief Columbus. “We want to continue to spread the news of this program in our community so we can reach even more individuals.”
The blue envelopes are available at any state police barracks and at the Tewksbury Police Department. The envelopes may also be available at other local police departments, but residents are advised to call ahead first to check on availability.
For more information on the Blue Envelope Program, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program.
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