SOMERVILLE, NJ (Somerset County) – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson and the Board of Somerset County Commissioners, Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo, Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police President Chief Mike McMahon (Hillsborough Township) announced the launch of the Blue Envelope Initiative during the Somerset County Commissioners Meeting on April 22.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that Somerset County law enforcement has introduced this new traffic safety initiative to assist officers during motor vehicle stops involving individuals with special needs. The initiative was launched in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
The Blue Envelope Program was designed to help both law enforcement officers and motorists with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. Motorists will receive a free blue envelope containing essential documents and credentials, along with instructions for law enforcement officers to help ensure a smoother and safer interaction.
“In our diversity statement, which my fellow Commissioners and I approved in 2018, we state that we ‘recognize, value, and embrace the uniqueness of each individual’,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “The adoption of the Blue Envelope Initiative is one example of our following through on these important sentiments. Somerset County is a richly diverse County, made vibrant because of each unique resident. This initiative facilitates a more inclusive, and safer, motor vehicle traffic stop experience for motorists with autism spectrum disorder. I am thrilled our Prosecutor’s Office, our Sheriff’s Office, and our Municipal Police Force are willing to take this step to help serve ALL our residents better. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all involved for initiating this vital program.”
“The Blue Envelope Program is an important tool for law enforcement officers to interact with and protect persons with autism. We are looking forward to making this program a big success in Somerset County.” Sheriff Darrin J. Russo, Somerset County Sheriff.
“The Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to partner in this program which will greatly assist our officers and persons with autism in having a positive encounter,” said Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Mike McMahon, President of the Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Programs like Somerset County’s blue envelope program can help officers and drivers alike to slow down during a potentially stressful situation, help officers recognize that a driver might need some accommodations, and help drivers communicate their needs,” said Autism New Jersey’s Director of Law Enforcement Initiative Doreen Yanik. “Autism-friendly practices like the blue envelope can help make the road safer for everyone, and we’re so thankful to our partners in Somerset County for launching this program.”
“I commend Somerset County for its leadership in launching the Blue Envelope Program. It takes both vision and compassion to bring a program like this to life, and Somerset County’s efforts reflect both. The Blue Envelope Program provides a practical and voluntary tool to improve communication, build trust, and promote safer interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism. It’s encouraging to see counties like Somerset take meaningful steps to ensure all members of the community feel seen, supported, and safe. I am proud to see this program continue to expand across New Jersey, and I look forward to the day it becomes a national standard.” Tim Barlow, Retired Chief of Police, Tewksbury Township; Co-Chair Autism NJ’s Motor Vehicle Subcommittee.
Residents can pick up a Blue Envelope at their local municipal police departments throughout Somerset County. More information is available at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office website: www.somersetprosnj.gov.
