Blue envelope bridges gap between officers and community members

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova announced the launch of a program designed to assist people during interactions with law enforcement and emergency personnel.

The Mahoning County Blue Envelope Program serves as a communication tool between law enforcement and community members who require additional accommodations or awareness during interactions with officers due to a condition such as autism, anxiety or a physical disability.

The program provides individuals with an envelope containing essential information to officers during a traffic stop. Inside the envelope would be a copy of the individual’s license or state ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. On the outside, emergency contacts and basic information about the individual will be listed.

During an interaction with police, a participant would hand the officer the blue envelope allowing them to have a better understanding of the individual’s needs.

Accommodations made after reading the blue envelope could include allowing more time to formulate responses, sensitivity to flashing lights and loud sounds, or a medical condition requiring additional time to exit the vehicle.

A window sticker and keychain are also provided to indicate an individual is part of the program.

“We recognized a critical need for a tool that helps bridge the communication gap between individuals with autism or other special needs and first responders,” DeGenova said.

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will serve as distribution points for the Blue Envelope kits across Mahoning County starting July 1.

There will also be a Blue Envelope drive-thru Saturday, July 20 in the Leonard Kirtz parking lot at 4791 Woodridge Drive in Austintown where the community can speak to a sheriff’s deputy about what happens during a traffic stop and how to utilize the Blue Envelope Program.

The drive-thru will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

In the case of bad weather, it will be held the following day, Sunday, July 21.

For more information about the Blue Envelope Program and how to obtain a kit, visit the prosecutor’s website or contact the office at (330) 740-2330.
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