Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, alongside a large contingent of Police Chiefs and law enforcement leadership representing municipal police departments across the county, today announced the official launch of a county-wide initiative for the Blue Envelope Program. This collaborative effort standardizes communication protocols between law enforcement and drivers with communication challenges, ensuring safety and consistency across all Bucks County municipalities.

“This initiative is a critical step forward for community policing in Bucks County,” said District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “Many of our departments had already recognized the value of the Blue Envelope Program, and today, we solidify that commitment by ensuring every driver and every officer benefits from a single, unified protocol. Uniformity means safety, clarity, and reduced stress for everyone involved.”

During the news conference, leaders from the law enforcement community praised the collaboration and impact of the program.

Middletown Township Police Chief Joseph Bartorilla, President of the Police Chiefs' Association of Bucks County, stated: "It's a privilege for me today to stand here with District Attorney Jen Schorn and all of my fellow chiefs and command staff from police departments throughout the county, as we partner to announce the county-wide expansion of the Project Blue Envelope Program. This initiative began with a simple but powerful idea: to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum. Blue Envelope provides drivers with autism a discrete way to communicate their needs during a traffic stop, helping officers recognize the situation and respond with understanding and care. In Middletown Township, we've seen firsthand how well this program works. It builds trust, promotes safety, and strengthens the bond between our officers and the community we serve. Expanding it countywide means every police department in Bucks County will now have the tools to make the same positive connections. We are helping to ensure that every interaction on our roads will be safer, calmer, and more understanding for everyone involved.”

Laurie Hepler, representing the Bedminster Township Police Department, highlighted the program’s expanded reach: “When Bedminster brought this program to Bucks County, it was originally focused on individuals with autism. However, through engagement with groups like the Pennsylvania Brain Injury Association, we found that officers experience the same communication barriers with individuals who have a variety of conditions, such as brain injuries, that lead to a communication impediment. This gave us the opportunity to expand the program to not only assist individuals with autism but individuals with many different conditions. I am very grateful to the District Attorney's Office and the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association for bringing this important initiative countywide.”

The overwhelming community support for the initiative was underscored during the news conference with the playing of a video from local advocate Ben Hartranft, who praised the Blue Envelope Program for its success in improving interactions. Hartranft’s message highlighted the real-world impact of the initiative on the lives of individuals with communication challenges, reinforcing the program's value in building trust and safety.

About the Blue Envelope Program

The Blue Envelope Program is a crucial communication tool designed to improve interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or those with other conditions that create a barrier to communication during routine traffic stops.

Drivers participating in the voluntary program carry a distinct blue envelope where they store their essential documents (license, registration, and insurance). The envelope also includes a contact card for a trusted individual who can provide assistance if needed. The exterior of the envelope features vital cues, often indicating if the driver is verbal or non-verbal, along with clear, succinct instructions for both the officer and the driver, such as:

• Alerting the officer that the driver may have sensory sensitivities or communication difficulties.
• Guiding the officer to use clear, simple language and allow extra time for responses.
• Instructing the driver to keep their hands visible until directed otherwise.

This simple, yet highly effective, measure reduces anxiety for the driver, promotes patience and empathy from the officer, and helps de-escalate potentially stressful situations, leading to safer outcomes for everyone involved. The program represents our commitment to inclusivity and awareness on our roads.

Looking Ahead

District Attorney Schorn noted the momentum for change extends beyond the county level: "I know there is proposed state legislation that will allow individuals to voluntarily have a designation on their driver's license. If an officer runs a vehicle tag, they will be alerted to the fact that the driver may have a communication disability. I couldn't be more proud of this collaboration, which could not happen without an organization as remarkable as our Bucks County Chiefs of the Police Association."

The Blue Envelopes are available at no cost and can be acquired directly from any local Bucks County Police Department. This county-wide roll-out ensures that whether a traffic stop occurs in any municipality in Bucks County, both the officer and the driver will follow the same procedures.

Media Contact: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org