Harrisburg, PA – Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Capitol Police Superintendent Joe Jacob announced the department is launching the “Blue Envelope Program” in recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month. The program is a voluntary, nationwide initiative aimed at reducing communication challenges during traffic stops between law enforcement and individuals with autism, dementia, anxiety, or other neurodivergent conditions.
The outside of the Capitol Police Blue Envelope clearly indicates whether the driver is verbal or non-verbal, provides space to note specific conditions or considerations, and offers helpful guidance for both the driver and the officer. Documents that should be kept inside the car, including a driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and emergency contact information, are also listed.
“Understanding what special needs a driver may have is significantly important in creating a positive interaction, especially between neurodivergent drivers and law enforcement during a traffic stop,” Superintendent Jacob said. “The Capitol Police Blue Envelope allows officers to quickly identify potential communication barriers and adjust their approach, helping make these interactions safer and more respectful for everyone involved.”
The program’s launch builds on the Shapiro Administration’s broader efforts to expand opportunity, accessibility, and inclusion across state government, in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s ongoing work to support Pennsylvanians with disabilities and promote inclusive workplaces during Autism Awareness Month.
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services has also led on ongoing accessibility initiatives to enhance the Capitol Complex experience for visitors and employees of all abilities. These steps further complement Governor Shapiro’s recent executive orders focused on expanding protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
“This program is a great example of how we’re thinking differently about accessibility across state government,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. “Whether we’re making enhancements in and around the Capitol Complex or supporting initiatives like the Blue Envelope Program, DGS is focused on making sure every Pennsylvanian can engage with state government safely, confidently, and with dignity. That’s exactly the kind of cross-agency collaboration the Shapiro Administration is committed to delivering.”
The Blue Envelope Program originated in 2020, when Connecticut lawmakers passed legislation to improve communication between individuals with autism and law enforcement. Since then, similar programs have been adopted in states and communities across the country, including by the Pennsylvania State Police who introduced informational cards that can be carried by people with autism and presented during any encounter with law enforcement to ensure the interaction is as safe and productive as possible.
Motorists interested in obtaining a Capitol Police Blue Envelope can visit any of the scan point entrances in the Main Capitol, East Wing, or North Office Building; or by visiting Capitol Police Headquarters at 70E East Wing, Harrisburg, PA 17125. More information is available online.
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