The majority of drivers will be pulled over at some point in their driving careers, with a MarketWatch survey finding that the average American driver receives at least two speeding tickets in a lifetime.
So while seeing a police car behind a driver with lights and sirens on can be nerve-wracking, the experience is particularly stressful for those who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum. They can become overwhelmed by sensory overload and fail to respond as an officer would typically expect.
The situation has resulted in a new Camden County initiative known as the Blue Envelope Program, which allows drivers to voluntarily opt in and receive a blue envelope of necessary documents they may need in a traffic stop to let an officer know if a driver has unique needs and requires special communication.
“We always look for ways to further engage with our community, and particularly residents who may have individual needs or circumstances,” said Cherry Hill Mayor Dave Fleisher as he rolled out the program in the township.
“I would think it would work for anyone with special needs,” noted Police Chief John Ostermueller. “It’s just certainly an immediate clue or a recognizable document that the officer would see that. It just starts that checklist of things for them to look for.”
Given that the needs and capabilities of neurodivergent drivers can have a wide range, the envelopes also contain information about a specific disability, including whether the driver is verbal or non-verbal, and advises drivers on how to speak with an officer to alleviate a tense situation.
“We expect it to immediately give us a sign or an easy recognition point of someone that may have a special need who’s verbal or not verbal,” Ostermueller explained.
The chief recommends that an envelope be kept out of sight and in a location easily accessible in a car, such as the glove compartment or center console.
“With the Blue Envelope Program, Cherry Hill is expanding its efforts to promote neuro-diversity awareness throughout the township and meet the needs of residents of all abilities,” a release from Fleisher’s office reads.
Immediate results on the program’s effectiveness have yet to be seen, but officials are expected to learn more in the next several weeks and months.
“As always,” Fleisher maintained, “we both sought public input and continue to receive input from the public after this is launched and up and running, since we always strive to improve the services we provide to our residents.”
Albert J. Countryman Jr./The Sun A young man on the spectrum, John, describes how great it feels to have a license to drive and have independence during the launch of the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism.
Looking in the rearview mirror and seeing a police car’s lights flashing is stressful, both for a motorist and a police officer who doesn’t know what to expect in an encounter.
“Multiply that feeling by 1,000 for people with autism and neuro-divergent issues,” said Cooper University Health Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Montella during the launch of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Blue Envelope Program on April 1.
“Today is the first day of Autism Awareness Month,” noted Gregory Pease, a Camden police officer for 25 years and now the assistant vice president of security and outpatient services for Virtua Health.
“I know how nervous that situation can be,” he explained, referring to interactions with drivers and police officers. “The blue envelope can head off a bad outcome from the car stop and make it a safe outcome.”
The envelope lets an officer know that a driver “may exhibit signs of anxiety due to bright lights and noises, including your radio. The individual may display repetitive body movements or fidgeting and may not make or maintain eye contact.”
The program advises a driver on the spectrum to tell an officer they have a blue envelope before moving their body or reaching for items in vehicles or pockets. The envelopes contain health information about the driver and emergency contact information.
“All the documents are in one place,” said county Prosecutor Grace MacCauley, who sponsored the program’s launch. “It keeps the person away from stressful and negative encounters with law enforcement. This simple, effective approach for alerting officers that drivers have special needs during traffic stops is a victory for common sense and public safety.”
Officers may also learn more about a driver’s disability and other vital information if that person is registered with the Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities (A.I.D.) Program, a national, voluntary service open to all that aims to ensure residents with disabilities or special needs get help and support in an emergency or during interaction with law enforcement, fire or EMS personnel, MacCauley added.
The Blue Envelope Program is also sponsored by the Camden County Police Chiefs Association, Cooper University Health Care and Virtua Health.
Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins, who also serves as president of the association, is the father of a special needs 24-year-old.
“The Blue Envelope Program is another tool we have to help an officer immediately recognize those who (are on the) autism spectrum,” he pointed out. “This will lead to safer and more effective encounters for those on the neuro-divergent spectrum and for our officers.
“Better communication leads to better outcomes.”
Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. thanked Cooper, Virtua, the police chief group and the prosecutor for creating and sponsoring the program.
“This is another great example of the community and law enforcement coming together to fill a need with the special needs population,” he observed. “Giving the public and officers the tools to process the dynamics on scene when they are facilitating a car stop is exactly the kind of analysis both parties need to ensure the safety of the driver and the officer.”
Also in attendance at the program launch were Bill and Gloria Jensen, founders of Luke’s Place in Audubon. Their nonprofit has served hundreds of neuro-diverse young adults in South Jersey since 2017.
“We are on the front lines of compassion,” Bill remarked. “Our sole purpose is to service these young people. They want to have friends, a safe environment and they want to be loved.”
He then acknowledged that his wife and some of the young men and women of Luke’s Place were wearing medals recently won in a sports competition. Next at the podium were John and Alex, two young adults from the nonprofit who worked hard to get their driver’s licenses.
“I’m a good driver,” said Alex, who has been working at Amazon for four years. “I passed the permit test and then I passed the road test.”
“When I first got my driver’s license, I was nervous about all the rules and regulations,” John recalled. “I’m able to go to my friend’s house and I am going to work on time. I can stay calm while driving.”
“Being able to drive opens a new world to them,” said the mother of an autistic child. “It makes them independent.”
A second mom thanked the prosecutor’s office and the partners in the Blue Envelope Program for reducing a parent’s stress in case something happens while their child is driving.
MacCauley concluded the launch by saying the program is the first in South Jersey, and that five counties in North Jersey have already instituted it. Blue envelopes will be available at all partnership agencies, local police stations, medical offices, hospitals and on the prosecutor’s office website at www.camdencountypros.org.
