The Arcola Police Department has launched a new program with the hopes of making interactions between their law enforcement officers and individuals with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities safer. While improving safety proves most important, this measure intends to also make the stop less stressful for everyone involved.
The ‘Blue Envelope Program’ is simple but meaningful. Participants will receive a blue envelope that can hold important documents, emergency contact information, and details about their specific communication needs. The idea is that during a potentially stressful situation like a traffic stop, or an emergency response, an officer can immediately understand who they’re dealing with and how to best communicate with that person. It’s the kind of small but rather thoughtful tool that can make all the difference in a potential high-pressure moment.
Officer Brandy Smith, who serves as both a School Resource Officer or ‘SRO’ and a patrol officer in Arcola, says she’s seen firsthand how valuable something like this can be. Working with school-aged children and teens on a daily basis, she knows that interacting with law enforcement outside of a familiar environment can be especially challenging for some individuals. Smith believes this program gives both officers and community members a better framework for these instances.
The program is completely free and available to anyone in the community with no proof of diagnosis being required. Envelopes can be picked up at the Arcola Police Department or at any of the Arcola schools.
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