Avon Lake Police Department launches Blue Envelope Program

01/13/2026 – Avon Lake, Ohio – The Avon Lake Police Department’s (ALPD) new Blue Envelope Program seeks to enhance communication between police officers and drivers with disabilities that that might require additional accommodations or awareness during traffic stops, such as autism, dementia, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions. A special envelope is used to store the driver’s important documents, such as a copy of their driver’s license, registration, medical information, and proof of insurance. Communication guidelines to assist both the driver and police officers are written on the outside of the envelope. During a traffic stop, the driver hands the Blue Envelope to the police officer, signaling they need special accommodations.

“When a driver has a Blue Envelope, it lets the officer know that they might need adjust their communication approach,” said ALPD Chief Caleb Robinson. “This program has been implemented in communities throughout the country, and it has been proven to be an effective means of reducing misunderstandings and helping people with disabilities have smoother, safer interactions with law enforcement.”

Individuals, families, and caregivers can get the free Blue Envelope kit at the ALPD, located at 32855 Walker Road, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012. Each kit contains a window decal that can be placed on the driver’s vehicle, a wallet card that can be updated with important information about the driver, and the envelope itself. The driver can keep their Blue Envelope in an easily accessible place, like their vehicle’s sun visor.

“The goals of the program are improved communication, increased safety, and empowerment,” said Chief Robinson. “When the driver has all of their information in one place it reduces anxiety for everyone and allows first responders to access critical information immediately in the event of a traffic accident.”

The Blue Envelope program was originally developed by the San Diego, California Sheriff’s Department, and has been implemented around the U.S. Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program is supported by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.