Blue Envelope Program
About the Blue Envelope Program
The Ontario Police Department proudly introduces the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative to foster inclusivity and enhance communication between law enforcement and community members.
The program provides individuals with easily identifiable blue envelopes and/or wearable products with the program logo, allowing them to be identified by law enforcement as having a condition or disability that may impact communication or require additional accommodations or awareness during an interaction.
This program was developed in collaboration with community-based service providers, including Inland Regional Center, and Autism Society Inland Empire, and is supported by the San Bernardino County Chiefs of Police and community partners within the City of Ontario.
How the Program Works
The Blue Envelope Program enables individuals to present a Blue Envelope or display its logo during interactions with law enforcement. These envelopes can hold the person's identification, emergency contact information, and essential vehicle documents like registration and proof of insurance. The envelope contains a section where a person can add handwritten notes to provide law enforcement with additional information for effective communication and/or accommodations.
Participation in the Blue Envelope Program is:
- entirely voluntary
- self-managed
- no cost
-
does not require registration
The following Blue Envelope items currently available include:
- Blue Envelope
The Blue Envelope provides the driver with instructions and tips to help ensure a positive interaction with the law enforcement officer conducting a traffic stop.
- Wearable products
Include lanyards, buttons, key chains, and bracelets with the Blue Envelope logo meant to be worn on or carried by the individual.
- Displayable products for vehicles
These products currently include stickers, vehicle decals, and seatbelt covers.
Some examples of situations where law enforcement officers might encounter someone using the Blue Envelope Program:
- A driver presents a blue envelope during a traffic stop, which can include notes about their (or passengers’) sensitivity to flashing lights and loud noises.
- A person with diabetes who is prone to hypoglycemia, potentially appearing intoxicated, is wearing a Blue Envelope wristband.
- A driver with a child/adult passenger with autism displays a Blue Envelope sticker on their vehicle.
- A teenager is hard of hearing and has a Blue Envelope keychain attached to their backpack.
The Ontario Police Department and participating Ontario Fire stations, including City Hall, will have Blue Envelopes available for participants at their request.
Blue Envelope wearable and displayable products are available at the Ontario Police Department lobby and the Inland Regional Center, located at 1365 S Waterman Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408, (909) 890-3000. www.inlandrc.org
For any additional questions and information about the Blue Envelope Program, please contact Corporal E. Maqueira at emaqueira@ontariopolice.org
In collaboration with our community partners:
https://www.behavioralautismtherapies.com/
https://specialneedzcoffee.com/