02-04-2025
Mansfield police implement ‘Blue Envelope Program' to help drivers with autism
MANSFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – It may look like a simple blue envelope, but its goal is to keep people safe and possibly save lives.
'I've got a couple of staff members who have children with autism and I have a couple of friends with autism and of course we know autism is on the rise,' said Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann.
Bammann said his department is the latest in Ohio to implement the 'Blue Envelope Program.'
With the increase in drivers with autism nationally, the chief felt that they needed a way to alert officers when they come into contact with a driver.
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The chief said it would be easy to misinterpret certain displays of behavior during interaction.
'Every officer at every traffic stop approaches possible danger and if you know anything about people with autism, some of their behavioral traits could mimic to an officer what we call danger cues. Don't want to make eye contact, appearing to hide something,' Bammann said.
'My son was three when diagnosed and that was 27-years ago, so they've come a long way,' said Marianne Hammel, the president of the Northeast Ohio Autism Association.
The nonprofit provides grants for local programs that support people with autism.
She hopes the Blue Envelope Program will ultimately spread throughout the state and the country.
'I would like other places to know about the blue envelope because what if they're driving in a different county or, you know, it's very important because none of us handle stressful situations, especially when pulled over,' Hammel said.
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Upon interaction with the police officer, the driver with autism should keep both hands on the steering wheel and let the officer know they have a blue envelope. It should contain a copy of the operator's drivers license, proof of insurance and registration.
'We know traffic stops just in general create a lot of anxiety for both the officer and the driver and this is just the blue envelope calms things down,' Bammann said.
Envelopes can be picked up at any law enforcement agency in Richland County and participating driver's education locations.
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