By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton has spent the last year helping advance the Blue Envelope Program throughout Sacramento County, a program intended to allow individuals with special conditions, needs, or disabilities, to better communicate with law enforcement agencies during emergency situations.
This can include individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, anxiety or other mental health or health conditions that may require additional awareness or accommodation by law enforcement.
“This is a real passion project for me,” Middleton said, adding that she has a son who is autistic and nonverbal. “It helps so many folks in our city and in our region.”
The program was formally introduced Sept. 30 during a press conference at the Citrus Heights City Council Chambers, where police chiefs from Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt and the City of Sacramento gathered to announce the regional rollout.
Through the program, participating individuals can choose to carry or display a Blue Envelope or other Blue Envelope-branded item during an interaction with law enforcement or other community service personnel. The items serve as a visual indicator that the person may benefit from additional communication or support.
The Blue Envelope itself can be used to store important documents, such as personal identification, emergency contact information, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Other Blue Envelope-branded items include wallet identification cards, lanyards, seatbelt or bag-strap covers, button pins, key chains, bracelets and stickers. Blue Envelope branded items are now available through participating agencies.
“The [Citrus Heights Police] chief really did a great job to be a lead on this,” Middleton said, praising Chief Alex Turcotte for communicating and promoting the details of the program with multiple outside jurisdictions. Many neighboring jurisdictions have joined together in the effort, excluding the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and Rancho Cordova, who contracts with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Placer County already utilizes the Blue Envelope program.
Middelton says she, city staff, and the Police Department are continuing to have conversations with the Sacramento Sherrif’s Office. Middleton remains optimistic and said, “Sometimes things take a little time.”
Middleton also praised the City Council as a whole for supporting her efforts, and added she believes the Blue Envelope program can be a great help to individuals who deal with all kinds of disabilities, both seen and unseen.
The Police Department says the program does not involve a registry, and participation is completely voluntary and free. Individuals do not need to provide proof of eligibility to participate.
The program is intended to provide officers with additional information that may help them better understand and communicate with a community member during an encounter. It does not, however, require officers to compromise their own safety or the safety of others.
“The Blue Envelope Program gives community members another way to communicate that they may need additional support or awareness during an interaction with law enforcement,” the Police Department said. “By improving communication, the program can help create safer and more positive interactions for both community members and officers.”
The Blue Envelope Program has been adopted by many other law enforcement agencies in communities across the country.
Middleton says she wants to advance the program to the national level, and envisions someday in the future, individuals using Blue Envelope stickers on ID cards or license plates.
“This is how real communities are built. Public safety and compassion are not competing ideas,” Middleton said.
