If you are a licensed driver, new or experienced, then you are probably not a fan of being pulled over by law enforcement. Just the thought of this might bring on anxious feelings. If this sounds familiar you are not alone, no matter how long you’ve been behind the wheel.
Even if a run-in with the law doesn’t ruffle your feathers, just imagine the level of anxiety that an unexpected encounter with the law would cause to drivers who are autistic, brain injury survivors or victims of physical abuse or PTSD or any other such disabilities/traumas.
That’s where OneWell Health Care’s Blue Envelope Program works its magic. The Town of Mount Pleasant’s website describes the program as a “community safety initiative designed to support individuals who may have cognitive, developmental or emotional conditions that affect how they interact with law enforcement. This includes individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, anxiety, PTSD and other similar conditions.” Its goals are threefold: “to enhance communication, reduce misunderstandings and create safer, more informed interactions between officers and community members.”
Individuals participating in the Blue Envelope Program fill out a literal blue envelope in which they include any necessary driving documents such as registration and proof of insurance, as well as medical papers, personal identification, emergency contact information and whatever else you see fit, while keeping its contents as limited as possible. Drivers then keep the blue envelope in their vehicle and when confronted by an officer, present it to law enforcement to more easily relay their information while also setting the stage for the envelope holder’s disabilities.
Sgt. Sarkis Ohannessian, a member of the Mount Pleasant Police Department, had first proposed that MPPD participate in the Blue Envelope Program. “I was big on this because I have a son that is on the spectrum,” said Ohannessian. “He is very, very high anxiety. That’s his only [disability], and I will say it’s crippling because it affects his day-to-day interactions with people.”
Prior to helping bring the Blue Envelope Program to MPPD, Ohannessian had successfully added it while serving in his previous role at California’s San Bernardino Police Department.
MPPD is not only participating in the Blue Envelope Program, but they are also taking a proactive approach. They’re inviting our town’s autistic members to pick up a blue envelope at the police department’s front lobby, and are also encouraging disabled persons, no matter their ailment, even the ones who have a mere surge of stage fright when interacting with the law.
“We really like the emergency contacts on the envelope too. Because if you can’t communicate right then it gives people to reach out to,” said MPPD Deputy Chief Pat Carter. So sharing this envelope can help ease any tension that an officer might be feeling as well.
If simply reading this story begins taking some of the weight off your shoulders, then joining MPPD’s Blue Envelope Program will be even easier than your next traffic stop. All you or a loved one have to do is walk into MPPD’s front lobby, scope out its counter space for a blue envelope like the one pictured, fill out the envelope’s exterior form and add the appropriate documentation, while being mindful not to include more than is necessary.
For more information, visit tompsc.com/1644/Blue-Envelope-Program.
By Anthony Macchio
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