Springfield police connecting autistic drivers with resources for safer traffic stops

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Springfield Police Department is introducing the Blue Envelope Program in partnership with The Autism Hero Project.

Drivers with autism in the Springfield area can pick up a blue envelope to store important documents. If they get pulled over, they can provide the envelope to the police officer. The envelope has information about the best way to communicate with the driver, as well as a support person and their contact information if the officer needs help communicating with them.

"It just enhances communication between our officers and our community," said Chief Joseph Behl of the Springfield Police Department. "Communication is everything, and this is definitely going to help that."

For the program, SPD partnered with the Autism Hero Project, a non-profit organization. Founder Tamika Lecheé Morales said programs like this can help reduce the fear and anxiety many people feel when interacting with law enforcement.

"They thrive on knowing expectations, and so during a routine traffic stop, they don't know what the expectations can be," Morales said. "The blue envelopes make sure that the outcome for both the autistic individual as well as the first responder is really rooted in empathy and a change of communication style."

The Autism Hero Project is working with lawmakers to make the Blue Envelope Program statewide. House Bill 4472 would expand the program and access to blue envelopes. The bill has bipartisan support.

The launch follows the Springfield Police Department's recent in-service autism awareness training at the Springfield Police Academy.

SPD partnered with Vision for Hope Chief Operating Officer Amanda Brott to provide specialized training for officers.

The voluntary, free Blue Envelope program does not require registration. It provides an identifiable blue envelope that can be presented during contact with a Springfield police officer. The envelope serves as a clear visual cue that the individual may have specific communication preferences or support needs.

Participants can use the envelope to:

Store copies of their driver’s license and vehicle documents (registration & proof of insurance)
Identify communication preferences or accommodations
Provide contact information for a designated support person

The Blue Envelope was specifically designed to help drivers during traffic stops, but it can be presented during any interaction with a Springfield police officer.

Blue Envelopes are available free at the following locations: