Sacramento-area police departments to launch Blue Envelope Program for vulnerable community members
CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. —
Several Sacramento-area police departments are expected to announce a new program Wednesday aimed at improving communication between law enforcement and people with disabilities or conditions who may require additional support during an interaction.
Police chiefs from Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt and Sacramento are scheduled to gather at 10:30 a.m. at the Citrus Heights City Council Chambers to introduce the Blue Envelope Program.
The program is designed to help people with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, dementia, anxiety and other disabilities communicate their needs to police officers, emergency responders and community service personnel.
Under the program, a person can carry a blue envelope or display a Blue Envelope-branded item to alert first responders that they may need additional time, awareness, or accommodation during an interaction.
The envelope can hold important information and documents, including personal identification, emergency contact information, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
Participants may also use Blue Envelope-branded items, including wallet identification cards, lanyards, seatbelt or bag strap covers, pins, key chains, bracelets and stickers.
Police say the items are intended to provide a visual cue that someone may communicate or respond differently during an encounter.
The program is free and voluntary, and there is no registry connected to it. Participants will also not be required to provide proof of a disability or medical condition.
Blue envelopes and other Blue Envelope-branded items are expected to become available beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, at participating law enforcement agencies.
The Blue Envelope Program has been adopted by law enforcement agencies in other parts of the country.
The Placer County Sheriff’s office already rolled out the program and said it’s been a big success in reducing misunderstandings, improving communication and helping officers provide appropriate accommodations when interacting with anyone who may need additional support.
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