Blue Envelope Program

Informed interactions. Safer outcomes.

What is the Blue Envelope Program?

The Blue Envelope Program is a localized communication support tool used during law enforcement interactions—most commonly traffic stops—to help individuals (primarily those with Autsims Spectrum Disorder) who may have communication, sensory, or cognitive challenges.

The envelope typically contains:

A driver’s documents
A brief explanation that the individual may need additional time or accommodations
Guidance for officers on how to reduce stress and improve communication during the encounter

PLEASE NOTE: The Blue Envelope Program is not a single centralized or organized program. It is more of a program in “spirit” that individual agencies create and implement on their own. Each program is unique and it is up to each agency to research and create thier own legally compliant procedures, policies and implemention protocols.

Does NPS-AID support the Blue Envelope Program?

Yes.
NPS-AID fully supports agencies that have created a Blue Envelope Program and recognize it as a valuable, proven communication tool for those with ASD during traffic interactions.

NPS-AID is designed to enhance and extend local initiatives like Blue Envelope by providing a national framework, digital support tools, and additional public safety resources that work alongside existing programs.

How does NPS-AID support the Blue Envelope Program?

NPS-AID supports the Blue Envelope Program by:

Extending access beyond the envelope through a secure, voluntary digital partnership platform that provides information via the network or agency CAD systems prior to or during interactions, and extends to all disabilities.
Providing continuity across jurisdictions, so critical information isn’t limited to one town or department
Supporting training and best practices related to disability-aware public safety interactions
Helping agencies standardize and strengthen their local Blue Envelope efforts while maintaining local control
Advanced Technology: The NPS-AID system automatically recognizes participants that qaulify for the Blue Envelope Program when they enroll in the NPS-AID program. When a particpating NPS-AID Chapter Agency is notified via the network of a new NPS-AID participant in their jurisdiction, the oversight agency has the ability to quickly send notice, via the NPS-AID system, to the member, providing the participant with information about the program and how to enroll.

In short, NPS-AID adds visibility, scalability, and sustainability to the Blue Envelope Program.

What is the advantage of joining NPS-AID instead of using only the Blue Envelope Program?

Blue Envelope Programs can serve as an important local communication aid, but rely on:

The individual remembering to present the envelope
The interaction occurring within a participating agency
No centralized or cross-agency visibility
The user or caretaker often has to go to the police station to collect the envelope or request it via an online email form.

By joining NPS-AID, agencies gain:

A nationwide, cross-jurisdictional system
Digital access to critical information for authorized responders and CAD integration for realtime information sharing
Expanded use cases beyond traffic stops (emergency calls, missing persons, welfare checks) fire, EMS, etc…
Ongoing support, resources, and interoperability

NPS-AID transforms Blue Envelope from a single-moment tool into part of a comprehensive national public safety support ecosystem.

Can an agency implement the Blue Envelope Program without launching an NPS-AID chapter right now?

Yes.
While participation in NPS-AID provides resources that extend well beyond a local Blue Envelope Program, agencies may absolutely launch or continue a Blue Envelope Program independently.

NPS-AID does not require immediate chapter participation and is designed to integrate when an agency determines the timing is right.

Regardless of participation status, NPS-AID is committed to supporting agencies in promoting safer, more effective interactions with individuals who have disabilities or special needs. Even for agencies beginning with a local Blue Envelope Program, NPS-AID can provide valuable guidance and resources to help streamline activation and implementation.

Get Information

Does NPS-AID provide Blue Envelope supplies?

Yes.

NPS-AID supports stand-alone Blue Envelope initiatives and provides easy access to officially authorized NPS-AID Blue Envelope support materials – from agency branded envelopes to window stickers. To learn about what items are available, costs and how to order, click below.

Get Information

Additional FAQ

Does NPS-AID support those with special needs and/or disabilities other than autism (ASD)?

Yes.

NPS-AID supports a broad range of disabilities and special needs, including communication, cognitive, sensory, medical, and mobility considerations.

Is NPS-AID limited to the agency's local participants or do they have national access?

Our disabled and special needs community members travel all over the nation and often need support when they are far from thier home, school, places of employment, etc..

For this reason, all participating NPS-AID state and local chapter users have access to the national NPS-AID platform that includes thousands of participants, caretakers and locations. NPS-AID is a national program that provides cross-jurisdictional access to any member when needed regardless of jurisdictional borders.

Are NPS-AID participants provided documents for presenting to public safety?

Yes.

All NPS-AID participants can download unlimited NPS-AID certificates directly from their account. These certificates may be kept in a vehicle, purse, wallet, home, or other easily accessible locations.

NPS-AID certificates provide public safety officials with critical, participant-authorized information, including the participant’s name, emergency contact details, local supporting agency information, and a QR code. When scanned, the QR code delivers guidance to help officials effectively and appropriately assist the participant.

Sample NPS-AID Certificate

Who can access NPS-AID information?

Only authorized public safety personnel, in accordance with program policies and applicable laws.

Is NPS-AID limited to traffic stops?

No. NPS-AID supports multiple public safety scenarios, including emergency calls, missing persons, welfare checks, and inter-agency coordination. NPS-AID has the ability to be accessed via the secure NPS-AID platform, via desktop or mobile APP, by emergency services personnel or via direct CAD integration and viewable by dispatch personnel during daily call for service.

Blue Envelope Supplies

The National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities has partnered with a trusted provider to offer easy access to official NPS-AID Blue Envelope supporting materials, to include agency branded blue envelopes and window stickers.

To learn about what items are available, costs and how to order, click HERE.

Once you submit your initial request, you will be provided instructions on how to complete the easy online ordering process.

Click Here to Learn More

Request Information

Sample Authorized NPS-AID Blue Envelope Items

How Can We Assist?

Interested in learning more about how the National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals can help your agency partner with your disabled and special needs community while protecting our public safety officials?

Contact NPS-AID today!

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888-474-5757

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support@opspolice.com

Online Request Form

Details and Disclaimer

The “Blue Envelope Program” is an initiative that is not mandated, but adopted by many law enforcement agencies across the United States, designed to help facilitate smoother interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops. When a person with an ASD operates a motor vehicle and is participating in the “Blue Envelope Program” is stopped by law enforcement, the driver would present the blue envelope containing their important documents and instructions for officers to better understand their needs and communicate effectively during the encounter; essentially signaling to the officer that the driver may require additional support due to their ASD. To minimize misunderstandings and potential escalation during a traffic stop by informing officers that the driver has ASD. The blue envelope typically holds the driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and emergency contact information. Instructions for the driver: The outside of the envelope may include instructions for the driver, such as keeping hands on the wheel and being aware of flashing lights. The reverse side of the envelope may provide guidance for officers, like simplifying requests and contacting emergency contacts if needed. Individuals diagnosed with ASD or their families can obtain a blue envelope from their local police department that has adopted the service. “National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” (NPS-AID) Supports the Blue Envelope Program but does not oversee or control any centralized regulatory body for the program. Any time a disabled community partner joins the “National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals” program and resides in a NPS-AID supporting chapter jurisdiction where the “Blue Envelope Program” is in use, the oversight agency has the ability to quickly send notice via the NPS-AID system to the member which will provide the participant with information about the program and how to enroll. This notice will be delivered via email once the member completes their NPS-AID membership enrollment. All agencies that adopt the “Blue Envelope Program” create thier own enrollment process and the exact steps can vary from agency to agency since there is no centralized program or support system for Blue Envelope. All supporting NPS-AID chapter agencies are provided special access to essential resources to help agencies create, launch, and manage their own “Blue Envelope Program”, such as envelope templates, draft policies and more, reducing the burden and simplifying the process.

DISCLAIMER

The "National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities" (NPS-AID) program is a publicly accessible paltform available as a free service to all citizens of the United States. Access to the database and its associated data is restricted solely to authorized United States governmental public safety agencies that provide financial support to the platform through the "National Law Enforcement and Community Policing Integrated Network" (OPS Network) or a recognized local, county, or state NPS-AID Chapter.

NPS-AID is operated and managed by Online Policing Solutions, Inc. ("OPS"), on behalf of its supporting agencies. OPS is a private entity and is not under the control or management of any government agency. All NPS-AID and OPS Network related assets, data, and intellectual property, are owned and operated exclusively by Online Policing Solutions, Inc.