ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Local law enforcement is introducing the Blue Envelope program. 

Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne says the program will help officers avoid misunderstandings when speaking with autistic drivers.

“To mitigate such issues, the Blue Envelope Program has been introduced. It encourages drivers with autism to keep important documents such as their license, registration, and insurance in a Blue Envelope. When the officer observes the envelope, they are immediately alerted to the driver’s condition and can adjust their response to the situation accordingly,” Osborne said.

Licenses, registration, and insurance papers would be placed in a blue envelope, which also includes clear instructions for the driver and information for the officer. The Cortland County Sheriff’s Office has also adopted the same program. In fact, the New York Sheriffs’ Association has launched the Blue Envelope program across the state.

In Tompkins County, drivers can pick up blue envelopes at the Sheriff’s office on Warren Road.