Kettering Police start Blue Envelope program for drivers with ASD
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The Kettering Police Department is introducing a program for drivers on the autism spectrum.
The Blue Envelope Program will make traffic stops safer for drivers with ASD by giving them a specially designed envelope to hold essential documents: license, registration, insurance and emergency contact information.
The envelopes come with printed communication tips on the front to aid officers and reduce potential misunderstandings when speaking to members of the community. KPD wants to contribute to making roads safer and more inclusive by spreading awareness, preparation and empathy.
Enhancing Understanding: The program will give officers information on autism and promote empathy/patience.
Reducing Anxiety: Talking to the police can be very stressful for people with ASD. The envelope is a visible cue for officers.
Streamlining Communication: The tips will help drivers and officers communicate effectively.
Encouraging Preparedness: The envelope is a tool that encourages the driver to be prepared. Knowing they have it for traffic stops can help them feel more confident and secure.
The envelope can be picked up in two locations: the Kettering Police Department Lobby and the front desk at the Kettering Government Center.
Gather Documents: Get a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance card and any emergency contact information.
Place Inside: Put all the above into the Blue Envelope.
Decide Where: Place the envelope in an easily accessible and visible place in your vehicle, like the sun visor.
Tell Family: If you live with family / share your vehicle, make sure anyone who uses it knows about the envelope and its importance.
Stay Updated: Check your envelope every year to make sure your documents are current. This will avoid any complications.
Stay Calm: Try to be as calm as possible. Remember to relax and take deep breaths.
Use the Blue Envelope: When the officer comes to your car, tell them, 'I have a blue envelope.' Once they tell you to, slowly get them the envelope.
Follow Instructions: Listen to the officer and follow what they say the best you can. If you don't understand, ask them to clarify.
Waiting: When the officer goes back to their own vehicle, you will need to wait in yours. This might take up to 15 minutes. Once the officer comes back, they'll explain the end of the stop and let you know when it's okay to leave.
Safety First: Throughout the stop, keep your hands visible the entire time. Do not make sudden movements. If you need to reach for anything, tell the officer before you do.
Hand Placement: Keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times, even when the officer isn't at your car. Only remove them if you're told to.
Light / Noise: You should be aware that officers might shine a light into your car, they might be wearing a loud radio and they might pull you over with flashing lights.
Calling Contact: If you feel overwhelmed, ask the officer to call your emergency contact.
Recognize the Blue Envelope: Familiarize yourself with it and follow the tips printed on the envelope.
Use Patience: People with ASD might need more literal time to process information and respond, so avoid rushing them.
Clear Communication: Be direct and clear. Do not give more than one intrusion at a time. Avoid idioms/phrases that might be misunderstood. Make sure you clearly tell the driver when the stop is over and when they can leave.
De-escalate: If you notice signs of distress, find ways to make the situation calmer. (Turning of the sirens and lights, speaking slowly, etc.) If the driver is upset, ask them if you should call their contact.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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