Courtesy of the Upper Saddle River Police Pictured from left to right: Mayor Arman Fardanesh, Joe Abbatiello, Chief Patrick Rotella
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Upper Saddle River NJ, in April, Upper Saddle River resident Joe Abbatiello, contacted us regarding the Blue Envelope Program. Mr. Abbatiello learned about this program from the Dumont Police Department. The Blue Envelope Program helps facilitate a traffic stop interaction between drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and police officers. Mr. Abbatiello’s suggestion resulted in Mayor Arman Fardanesh and Chief Patrick Rotella adopting this outstanding program.
If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope. The driver will keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and an emergency contact card inside the blue envelope. The outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, like keeping hands on the wheel, the officer may shine their flashlight in the car and the police car may have flashing lights. On the reverse side of the envelope, it tells the officers what to do, like simplifying requests and if the driver becomes upset contact a person on the emergency contact card. A checked off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.
These materials are now available at the front desk of the Upper Saddle River Police Department or call our main number (201)-327-2700, and we will arrange for delivery to your home.
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This is a wonderful idea. I cannot imagine how my own autistic son would react to being pulled over or getting into a car accident. The lack of eye contact along would make him suspect for drunk driving, etc.
Thank you. Your action is so necessary and respectful of those who are different by health conditons we can’t always see. The number of people protected now brings encouragement to autistic family, friends & neighbor and awareness to us all.
Thank you. Your action is so necessary and respectful of those who are different by health conditons we can’t always see. The number of people protected now brings encouragement to autistic family, friends & neighbors and awareness to us all.