TOPSHAM, Maine — Being stopped by the police can be a stressful situation.
That can be especially true for someone on the autism spectrum or if you have severe anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
That's where the "Blue Envelope Program" comes in.
The Blue Envelope Program started in 2020 in Connecticut. Since then, police departments around the country have adopted the program.
Last Year, Cape Elizabeth police became the first department in Maine to incorporate the program, with Sergeant Kevin Kennedy Leading the way.
Now, the Topsham Police Department joins the ranks in adopting the program.
"For somebody that may be on the spectrum or have some type of an anxiety issue, you know, it just gives people a few tips as to what may happen on a traffic stop or even a crash," Topsham Police Chief Marc Hagan said.
The way it works is quite simple. Once you have an envelope, put a copy of your driver's license, proof of car insurance, vehicle registration, and emergency contacts inside. Then, in the event you are pulled over or are in an accident, you can hand the envelope to the officer.
The Down Syndrome Advocacy Project of Maine is the organization doing outreach to help make this program accessible to drivers and law enforcement.
"It can provide them with this envelope, and then the officer can immediately recognize like oh okay they're just a little bit overwhelmed because of my radio, because of the lights," DSAP of Maine co-founder and board chair Erica Koch said.
Koch said the goal is to grow the Blue Envelope Program statewide.
"Westbrook, Bath, Topsham, South Portland, and Newport are currently enrolled and ready to go," Koch said. "I've had contact with the state police so slowly but surely we're making headway."
Through it all, Hagan said communication is key.
"This is an opportunity for us to communicate with the public and for them to communicate with us," Hagan noted. "When we communicate better, we understand each other better, and I think we can move forward easier."
You do not need to live in the Topsham or Cape Elizabeth communities to request a blue envelope. You can pick them up or ask to have them mailed to you.
To learn more about the Blue Envelope Program, you can visit dsapmaine.org.