SCRANTON, Pa. — The Scranton Police Department has partnered with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) to bring the Blue Envelope Program to the city, joining a growing list of Pennsylvania police departments using the tool to improve communication with drivers who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other communication-related conditions.
The voluntary program is designed to support individuals on the autism spectrum during traffic stops, vehicle accidents, or routine police encounters. LVHN launched the program in Lehigh County in April 2024 and has since expanded it to Northampton, Monroe, and Luzerne counties; Scranton is the latest agency in the region to sign on.
Under the initiative, participating drivers keep a bright blue envelope in their vehicle containing their driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information.
The envelope serves as an immediate visual cue to officers:
- Front of envelope: Alerts law enforcement that the driver may have communication needs or be nonverbal, and provides step-by-step instructions for the driver on how to proceed during a stop.
- Back of envelope: Gives officers practical guidance to help keep the encounter calm, structured, and safe for everyone involved.
By presenting the envelope at the start of an interaction, drivers can convey essential information without relying solely on verbal communication in a potentially stressful situation.
While developed primarily for individuals with ASD, officials say the envelopes can also help residents with anxiety disorders, dementia, developmental disabilities, or other conditions that make communication difficult in high-stress situations.
Blue envelopes are available at Scranton Police Headquarters, the Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and online at LVHN.org/blueenvelope.
Scranton Police and LVHN are the driving forces
Scranton Police and LVHN are the driving forces
