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📸 Credit: Campton Hills PD on Facebook
Two Tri-Cities area police departments are rolling out the Blue Envelope Program, a free initiative designed to improve interactions between officers and residents with autism, cognitive disabilities, communication challenges, or severe anxiety.
The Campton Hills Police Department has already activated the program, with the Batavia Police Department set to follow on April 1. The concept is simple: participants pick up a blue envelope, fill it with relevant documents, and present it during any encounter with an officer — giving the officer an immediate visual cue that the person may have specific communication needs.
Here's what to know:
The envelope’s contents: It contains a driver's license or ID, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, emergency contacts, and any notes about preferred communication style or support needs.
No diagnosis required: The program is voluntary and free, with no registration process or proof of diagnosis needed.
Where to pick one up: Batavia residents can get an envelope at the Batavia Police Department front desk, 100 N. Island Ave., starting April 1. Campton Hills residents can pick one up now at Campton Hills Village Hall and Police Department, 40W270 LaFox Rd., Monday–Friday 9AM–4PM.
The envelope doesn't exempt anyone from law enforcement action or safety protocols, and officers outside these two departments may not recognize the program. Batavia residents are also encouraged to register separately with the Batavia PD Special Needs Program by calling 630-454-2500.
Both departments partnered with The Autism Hero Project to bring the program to their communities.
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