SBPD Announces New Blue Envelope Program

The Santa Barbara Police Department is excited to announce the launch of our new Blue Envelope Program, which aims to foster better communication and understanding between law enforcement and members of our neurodiverse community.  Once enrolled in the program, participants will receive a designated blue envelope to store important documents, such as identification, medical information, pertinent driving documents, and communication preferences.  This blue envelope will also allow officers to quickly identify individuals requiring special accommodations or having unique communication needs. The overall goal of the Blue Envelope Program is to promote inclusivity, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure safer interactions with all members of the public.

Santa Barbara Police Officers are thoroughly equipped with specialized training in de-escalation techniques, alternative communication methods, and strategies for providing necessary accommodations for all Blue Envelope participants.  The Blue Envelope Program aims to promote a more supportive and understanding environment by equipping officers and participants with the tools needed to communicate during law enforcement encounters more effectively.

The Santa Barbara Police Department has collaborated closely with local partner organizations such as the Tri-County Regional Center and Momentum Work, Inc. These partnerships ensure that our Blue Envelope Program is tailored to the specific needs of our neurodiverse community. For more details on how to become a Blue Envelope participant, please visit our website at sbpd.com.

Sergeant Bryan Kerr, Public Information Officer
City of Santa Barbara Police Department
bkerr@sbpd.com

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