From the Lake in the Hills Police:
Blue Envelope Program debuts in Lake in the Hills
LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — A voluntary nationwide initiative designed to improve communications and promote positive interactions between police officers and individuals on the autism spectrum has debuted in Lake in the Hills with support from the Autism Hero Project.
Blue envelopes are now available upon request at the Police Department at 2600 Village Hall Drive and next door at Village Hall.
“It’s a meaningful step to improve relationships with individuals on the spectrum who live, work or frequently spend time in our community,” said Chief of Police Matthew Mannino.
“Our department is proud to be community focused and welcomes opportunities to enhance our service to local residents.”
The Blue Envelope Program helps officers quickly recognize that a person has specific communication needs or requires support during a law enforcement encounter, helping to reduce anxiety, confusion and misunderstandings.
The program does not exempt participants from law enforcement actions or citations.
Drivers will choose to participate in the program by keeping a LITH PD-branded blue envelope in their vehicle that typically will contain a driver’s license, proof of insurance and emergency contact.
It also will outline communication preferences such as verbal or non-verbal, processing time and sensory sensitivities.
A driver would present the envelope to a Lake in the Hills police officer upon being detained.
“We know that any driver may feel anxious when stopped by law enforcement, so this is an opportunity to improve
those exchanges and help keep everyone safe,” Mannino said.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department is one of the early adopters of the Blue Envelope Program in Illinois.
Community members are encouraged to learn more about the autism spectrum disorder and Blue Envelope Program by visiting autismheroproject.org.
