The Oswego Police Department invites community members to attend a Blue Envelope Program Open House Thursday, Aug. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Oswego Police Department, 3355 Woolley Road.
The Blue Envelope Program is designed to help make interactions with first responders safer and less stressful for individuals who are neurodivergent, including those on the autism spectrum. The program provides participants with a blue envelope that contains important information and guidance to assist during encounters with law enforcement and other first responders.
“Our goal is to make every interaction as safe, comfortable, and successful as possible,” said Officer Behr Pfizenmaier, who spearheaded the program at department. “The Blue Envelope Program helps officers quickly recognize when someone may communicate differently so we can adjust our approach and better serve them.”
The open house offers individuals who may benefit from the program, along with their families, caregivers, and support persons, an opportunity to learn more about how the program works in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the Blue Envelope Program and how to participate.
- Ask questions during a Q&A session with Oswego police officers.
- Observe and participate in mock traffic stops to better understand what to expect during a law enforcement encounter.
While the Blue Envelope Program is commonly associated with traffic stops, the envelope can also be valuable during other interactions with first responders by providing helpful information that supports effective communication and understanding.
Whether interested in participating in the program or simply wanting to learn more, the Oswego Police Department encourages all interested to attend. To help plan for the event, individuals wanting to participate in a mock traffic stop are encouraged to email Officer Behr Pfizenmaier at bpfizenmaier@oswegoil.org as advance notice will help accommodate as many participants as possible. Due to time constraints and attendance, participation in the mock traffic stops cannot be guaranteed.
— Oswego Police Department