JERSEY CITY — The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has rolled out a countywide Blue Envelope program aimed at improving communication between law enforcement and individuals with autism or other communication disorders during traffic stops and emergency encounters.
The initiative, created in partnership with the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, provides specially marked blue envelopes for individuals to store their identification, visual communication aids, and emergency contact information. The envelopes alert officers to possible sensory or communication challenges and promote a standardized approach to these interactions.
“One of our goals in law enforcement is to identify ways we can better support the needs of our residents,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. “Nationwide, the Blue Envelope program has proven to be a valuable tool when communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy added, “The Blue Envelope program’s purpose is to increase safety measures that result in better interactions with law enforcement and improve overall outcomes during motor vehicle stops.”
Police departments across Hudson County received envelopes for distribution, and officers participated in specialized training led by North Jersey nonprofit Baker Street Cares. The training covered strategies for communicating with individuals who have autism, non-verbal disabilities, or age-related sensory issues.
The program was coordinated by Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Megan Connell and Hudson County Mental Health Administrator Kayla Hanley. It is supported by the Hudson County Chiefs of Police Association, which is distributing recorded training to departments for continued officer education.