Lakewood Police Department Introduces Blue Envelope Program

The Lakewood Police Department is launching a new program to help residents with special needs communicate with officers during motor vehicle operator interactions. The Blue Envelope Program helps individuals on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities provide documents to officers, along with details on any communication issues they may have, especially during stressful situations.

Participants keep a copy of their driver’s license/identification, vehicle registration, and current insurance card inside the envelope, and it is to remain inside the vehicle at all times. General instructions for the officer are printed on the outside of the envelope alongside the participant’s name, emergency contact, and details about their specific needs.

“After hearing about similar programs, we reached out to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Mahoning County Prosecutor. They were able to provide resources for us to begin building the program. We feel that this is an outstanding opportunity to do something new to help our interactions with the public,” said Officer Melissa Mazor, who serves as one of Lakewood’s Neighborhood Officers in the city’s Ward 4 region.

“This program is our most recent introduction in our ongoing effort to improve relations between police and the residents and visitors within Lakewood. As a department, we make sure that the safety of everyone involved in an interaction is the highest priority, as evidenced by our Neighborhood Policing program, our officers’ de-escalation training, and our continued proactive approach to citizen encounters,” said Police Chief Kevin Fischer.

Mayor Meghan George added, “I am excited to see the introduction of this program to Lakewood. We pride ourselves as an open and welcoming community, and I commend the Lakewood Police Department on their dedication to enhancing the safety of all our residents.”

Several cities and counties across Ohio and the greater United States have adopted the program in an effort to preemptively clear up miscommunications and confusion that may occur, and to de-escalate situations that may appear to seem like a participant is purposefully resisting an officer’s directions.

Program materials can be picked up at the Lakewood Police Department (12650 Detroit Ave.), the Lakewood Public Library branches (15425 Detroit Ave. and 13229 Madison Ave.), and at Lakewood Fire Station #1 (14601 Madison Ave.). For more information on the program, please contact the Lakewood Police Department.