New tool established to help ease public interactions with police

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A new tool has been implemented to help Mahoning County officers and the public.

A blue envelope can tell officers if a person in the car has a disability or disorder and may need extra time or help during any type of traffic stop.

The Blue Envelope program is a bridged gap of communication between the public and our officers. It has only been implemented in Mahoning County so far.

It’ll let officers know the person in the car they stopped has a disorder or disability that may make police interactions difficult.

The program was launched by Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office and Mahoning County Libraries.

DeGenova learned of the program from where it started in San Francisco and brought it to the valley and says it is mostly a tool to keep officers and the public safe.

During any type of police stop an individual can give the officer the blue envelope, the front explains the individual’s condition and what accommodations they may need. Inside the blue envelope, an individual can put their driver’s license, registration and insurance card.

“It provides information to law enforcement on their condition if they need more time to formulate answers, if they’re exhibiting signs of anxiety,” DeGenova said. “Just a way for them to relay their needs to law enforcement if they’re stopped at any time.”

If a vehicle is stopped, it’s the individual’s responsibility to provide the blue envelope so officers can better assist them.

“We want to make sure our law enforcement knows who they’re dealing with and can assess a situation and not interpret any signs of anxiety for noncompliance or aggression,” DeGenova said.

Jeff Allen with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office says officers are already informed and trained with the blue envelope program.

DeGenova says blue envelopes can be picked up at any Mahoning County affiliated branch.

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