Welcome to the Blue Envelope Program

Inclusive Communication

A Free Service to Assist Drivers with Disabilities

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer the Blue Envelope Program. The Blue Envelope Program is a voluntary initiative designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities (such as autism or developmental disabilities) during traffic stops or law enforcement encounters. It provides a blue envelope to hold essential documents, signaling to deputies that extra communication support may be required.

Key Aspects of the Program

• Purpose: To reduce anxiety and improve safety for individuals with special needs during police encounters.
• Usage: Participants can present the blue envelope — which contains identifying information (e.g., ID, communication card or sensory consideration documents), license, registration, and insurance — to a deputy, instantly communicating the participant’s condition.
• Voluntary: The program is free, voluntary, and does not involve a central registry.
• Supportive Action: Upon seeing the envelope or any Blue Envelope items, officers are equipped to adjust their approach and offer accommodation.

Where to Obtain a Blue Envelope

Items are available at the following Imperial County Sheriff’s Office locations:

• ICSO Records
  328 Applestill Road, El Centro
• Holtville PD
  585 Fern Avenue, Holtville
• Brawley Substation
  220 Main Street, Suite #207, Brawley

How the Program Works

Participants will need to fill out a registration form and will then be given a packet which contains Blue Envelope identifying items such as stickers, lanyards, lapel pins, a document holder, or a blue envelope for important documents. These items have the Blue Envelope logo and can be used for:

• Stickers — use on a backpack, water bottle, bicycle, car window, etc.
• Lanyards — use to hold keys or identifying information
• Lapel pins — wear on shirts, belts, a purse, etc.
• Blue Envelope Document Holder or Blue Envelope — used to keep important documents such as ID, communication card, or documentation of sensory triggers inside a vehicle when traveling, including:
  • Driver’s license or ID (if applicable)
  • Vehicle registration
  • Proof of insurance
  • Emergency contact information
  • Optional communication card or sensory considerations

Who Can Participate

The Blue Envelope Program is available to:

• Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• People with communication challenges
• Drivers who experience sensory sensitivities
• Parents or caregivers of young drivers with ASD

Watch: Blue Envelope Program

Hear directly from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office about how the program works and the impact it has on the community.

Contact Us

For questions or to obtain a Blue Envelope, please contact the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office:

Phone: (442) 265-2000
Address: 328 Applestill Road, El Centro, CA 92243