NORTH SMITHFIELD – The North Smithfield Police Department wants to educate residents about a new statewide program that aims to help drivers on the autism spectrum to have smoother interactions with their officers.
The Blue Envelope Initiative went into effect across Rhode Island on January 1, following legislation signed last June by Gov. Dan McKee. The program joins the Department of Motor Vehicles with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities with a goal of enhancing effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder.
“This program helps drivers with autism be prepared and safe during routine motor vehicle stops, as well as helping our officers be prepared and understand those with disabilities better,” said Valerie Orellana, administrative assistant to the North Smithfield chief of police. “The blue envelope is an extra form of identification with clear instructions for autistic drivers on how handle such stops.”
Program participants can receive their blue envelope from the DMV or can pick them up at the police station at 575 Smithfield Road in North Smithfield. Orellana noted that officers in town can also hand out the envelopes.
Inside, program participants can keep their driver’s license, registration and insurance, along with emergency contact information. Instructions printed on the envelope help to guide the drivers in their interactions with police officers during traffic stops.
Officers, meanwhile, have been trained in best practices for engaging with neurodivergent individuals during such stops.
Anyone with questions on the new program in North Smithfield can call (401) 762-1212 ext. 200.
It’s a great start to an awesome idea. Thank you, NSPD, for learning that we all are not in your world and for the acceptance of ours.