Metro Police Launch Blue Envelope Program to Support Inclusive Communication

Oklahoma City metro-area law enforcement agencies have launched the Blue Envelope Program, a community initiative designed to make interactions between police and residents safer and calmer for people who experience communication challenges.

The program provides a simple but powerful tool: a blue envelope that people can hand to first responders. The envelope explains the person's condition and affirms their intent to cooperate, helping officers understand how best to communicate with residents.

Drivers should put a copy of their driver's license, registration and insurance in the envelope.

The program is beneficial for people who may:

• Be deaf or hard of hearing.
• Have difficulty speaking clearly.
• Be learning English.
• Live with autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Experience anxiety, PTSD or other mental health conditions.
• Have dementia, cognitive or neurological impairments.
• Experience involuntary movements, such as those associated with Tourette syndrome.
• Be blind or have low vision.
• Have medical-related speech difficulties.

The envelope also includes reminders for drivers, such as:

• Stop in a safe location.
• Stay in the car until told otherwise.
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
• Tell the officer you have a blue envelope and follow instructions.

The Norman Police Department alongside the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office and the police departments in Choctaw, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Oklahoma City and The Village are participating in the program.

"Being stopped by police can be stressful for anyone, but it can be especially overwhelming for people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions," said Emily Scott, Executive Director of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. "The Blue Envelope Program helps bridge communication gaps by giving officers key information they need for safer, more supportive interactions."

Blue Envelopes are available at any participating police precinct and the Oklahoma Autism Foundation.