Trumbull County joins Blue Envelope program for the developmentally disabled

Trumbull County has officially joined the state-wide Blue Envelope program that seeks to ease communication between police and the developmentally disabled during traffic stops.

Interactions with police can be stressful, especially so for those with mental disabilities. Sometimes that stress can make it difficult to communicate which can cause tension and in extreme instances danger when interacting with police.

The program provides mentally disabled individuals with a Blue Envelope and instructions to include documents relevant to a traffic stop that they can provide to police with minimal communication. It also provides a car decal to notify officers and a wallet card.

These documents include their driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance card and their relevant medical information. 

The program provides training to officers on how to identify and appropriately respond when shown a Blue Envelope as well as general guidelines for interacting with people with various developmental conditions.

The program is completely voluntary and free to Trumbull residents.

Individuals or families interested in participating can contact the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities over the phone or visit their office at 45 North Road, Niles OH.