The Blue Envelope Program comes to Marion County

The Blue Envelope Program will now be offered to Marion County residents after successfully launching in several other states across the nation. The new initiative will support people with disabilities during interactions with law enforcement.

The Blue Envelope Program was organized by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with The Arc of Indiana. Starting in Connecticut in 2020, the program provides resources to Indianapolis residents who may experience heightened anxiety or communication challenges – such as people with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder or dementia – to navigate interactions with police officers

Program participants will carry a Blue Envelope that contains documents like identification, vehicle registration and emergency contact information. Officers will be trained to recognize Blue Envelope information and use best practices to de-escalate a situation.

“The Blue Envelope Program is a meaningful step toward fostering understanding, trust, and safety in our community,” Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a press release. “By providing individuals with a simple way to communicate their needs during a law enforcement interaction, we can reduce anxiety and improve safer outcomes for everyone involved.”

The MCPO’s Different-Not-Less initiatives advocate for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

The voluntary program is open to all Marion County residents to participate. To learn more about the program, contact the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office or visit their website.