Blue Envelope Program

The Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department announces a new program to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder during a traffic stop. It is called the “Blue Envelope Program”. Being pulled over by a police officer can make anyone anxious. But for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can cause an even greater issue, between the heightened situation, the flashing lights, the sounds of radio transmissions, and other noises. We are trying to avoid any misunderstandings between our officers and drivers that have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the police officer the blue envelope. The driver will keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and an emergency contact card inside the blue envelope. The outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, such as keeping their hands on the wheel, the officer may shine their flashlight in the car, and the police car may have flashing lights. The reverse side of the envelope contains instructions for the police officer, such as simplifying requests and if the driver becomes upset, to contact a person on the emergency contact card. A checked off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

If you or a loved one would like to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, please stop at the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department located at 55 Sycamore Avenue or call our main number (201) 652-1700 and an officer/dispatcher will give your blue envelope. This program is only available to Ho-Ho-Kus residents.

Autism Awareness Identification Stickers

Ho-Ho-Kus residents with autistic children or adults in their homes can obtain a Ho-Ho-Kus Police Autism Awareness patch sticker for their car/home. This identification sticker will alert Ho-Ho-Kus Police Officers and other first responders that an autistic person may be present.

The Ho-Ho-Kus Police has created this sticker to recognize the complexity of the autism spectrum and our dedication to providing advanced support to the autism community. Our police officers have been trained in basic autism awareness and this sticker will help the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department better serve our community.

  • Vehicle: Place the sticker on the outside of the driver’s side rear window, near the bottom of the glass.
  • Residence: Place the sticker on the front door or front door window near the exterior light.