Boulder police unveiled the new Blue Envelope Program, a tool designed to help them interact with community members who have disabilities.

The police goal is to reduce the potential of miscommunication, according to a press release.

Law enforcement officials said that participants can fill out the envelope with whatever information might be helpful for an officer to know, “without burdening the community member to explain their needs.”

The Boulder Police Department is the first agency in Colorado to have such a program, according to the release. Participants may list their needs or verbal, medical or neurological disability information and optional emergency contact information for “those who may wish to have a person contacted in the event of medical episodes.”

“We regularly send our department leaders to different trainings across the country to enhance their knowledge and skill set with the hope of bringing back great ideas like this,” said Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. “We also encourage them to research new and innovative policing ideas that we can implement here in Boulder.”

“It also pairs well with our Autism Decal Program, which has similar goals,” Redfearn said. “We look forward to feedback from our community members and hope this will improve the quality of interactions with our officers.”

Any resident may request a blue envelope at the front desk of the Boulder Police Department at 1805 33rd St. in Boulder, according to the release. Residents can also have an envelope mailed to their address by sending an email request to: McNivenA@bouldercolorado.gov. Participation is by request only. No participant list or data storage is maintained, according to the release.Officials recommended that participants display the blue envelope in the glove box of their vehicles and to let officers know that they will be handing them the envelope once the interaction begins.

When a driver displays a blue envelope, first responders are instructed to speak calmly and relaxed, speak in a lower volume, avoid shouting or loud noises, approach slowly, to not touch the person and to turn off bright lights.

“We’re also in the process of translating it into other languages and additional formats for individuals who do not drive vehicles,” the release reads. “We are aware that interactions with officers in circumstances other than traffic stops can be stressful for those individuals with invisible disabilities, which is why we are soliciting ideas for a similar program to support members of our pedestrian and bicycle communities.”

Anyone with suggestions, questions or concerns can call 303-441-1777.