Updated: Apr 4
By Barbara A. Preston | Posted April 3, 2025
The Montgomery Township Police Department (MTPD) is partnering with Montgomery Special Education PTA and the Rock Brook School, a private non-profit school for multiply-disabled children in Skillman, to make traffic stops safer for Autistic drivers.
From left: MTPD Lt. Jason Larsen and Lt. Andrew Perry, Rock Brook School Principal Thomas Connolly, and MTPD Chief Silvio Bet at Rock Brook School on Thursday morning. Photo by Barbara A. Preston.
The purpose of the Blue Envelope Program is to improve the interaction between drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and police officers on traffic stops. The goal is to create a positive, safe outcomes for everyone involved.
Police Chief Silvio Bet said the MTPD is committed to improving community relations, education, and awareness.
"It’s about building mutual understanding and adapting traditional procedures to accommodate the needs of all community members," Bet said.
The Blue Envelope Program's goal is to assist drivers with autism, helping them understand what to do on a motor vehicle stop. The Blue Envelope also provides officers with the means to quickly identify an operator of a motor vehicle who has ASD, and helps guide Police Officers with the interaction.
This initiative addresses several key objectives — enhancing understanding, reducing anxiety, streamlining communication, and encouraging preparedness.
Chief Bet said, "The Blue Envelope is more than just an envelope; it’s a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. Through this program, we aim to build upon relationships between law enforcement and the autism community and foster a culture of awareness and compassion that benefits all community members."
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The Rock Brook School and Montgomery SEPTA are supporting the initiative by funding the printing of the Blue Envelopes. Chief Bet said he and the sponsors are committed to continually working to enhance awareness, support, and utilization of resources to all members of our community.
"We would like to thank the Rock Brook School and Montgomery SEPTA for their support of this program," he said.
Front of envelope.
Back of envelope.
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