The Mahwah Police Department is proud to announce the implementation of a new program to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during a traffic stop. The goal of this program is to avoid any misunderstandings between our Officers and drivers with ASD.

If a driver with ASD happens to be pulled over by a Police Officer, the driver presents the Blue Envelope.

Inside the Blue Envelope, the driver will keep a copy of their driver’s license, registration card, current insurance card, and emergency contact card. The outside of the Blue Envelope contains instructions for the driver, like keeping hands on the steering wheel and a warning about the flashing lights and noises. The reverse side of the Blue Envelope contains instructions for the Police Officer, such as simplifying requests and if the driver becomes upset, to contact a person on the emergency contact card. If a box is checked off on the Blue Envelope, this will indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

This excellent program will help us bridge the gaps in communication and build empathy in our community. If you or a loved one would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, please stop at the Mahwah Police Department Headquarters and pick up an envelope at our desk, call our main number at 201-529-1000, or email
patrol@mahwahpd.org, Attention: Officer Robert Birney