Kensington, CA – The Kensington Police Department is launching its new Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary initiative designed to make traffic stops and other police contacts safer and less stressful for drivers with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, anxiety, dementia, and other communication differences.
With the launch of this program, Kensington becomes one of the first police agencies in the Bay Area to offer a dedicated Blue Envelope option for drivers, joining a growing movement across California and the United States to better support neurodivergent community members during interactions with law enforcement.
The Blue Envelope is a clearly marked, bright blue envelope that participants keep in their vehicle. Inside, they can store their driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, emergency contact information, and a brief description of their preferred communication style (for example, needing extra time to answer questions or preferring written instructions). During a traffic stop, drivers can hand the envelope to the officer as a quiet, respectful way to signal that they may need additional patience, clear language, or other accommodations.
“The Blue Envelope Program is about respect, understanding, and safety for everyone,” said Chief Mike Gancasz. “For some members of our community, a traffic stop can be overwhelming. This program gives drivers a simple tool to communicate their needs, and it gives our officers helpful guidance so they can respond with patience and compassion.”
Part of a Growing Statewide and National Effort
Blue Envelope initiatives began on the East Coast, notably in Connecticut, and have since spread to multiple states, including Virginia, New York, Arkansas and others, where state agencies and local departments use the blue envelope as a standardized tool to support drivers with autism and similar conditions during police encounters. In California, sheriff’s offices and police departments in communities such as San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Riverside County, Placer County, Sutter County, Ventura County, and several city departments have adopted Blue Envelope programs or similar models—often in partnership with regional centers and autism advocacy organizations. Kensington’s program draws on these best practices while tailoring the materials and training to the unique needs of a small, community-focused police department.
How Residents Can Participate:
- Cost: The program is free and completely voluntary.
- Privacy: No registration is required, and KPD does not collect or store medical information; all details remain with the driver and their family.
- Where to get an envelope:
- In person at the Kensington Police Department lobby located at 10940 San Pablo, El Cerrito, CA, 94530
- From a uniformed Kensington Police Officer or Kensington Police Volunteer
- At community events and outreach activities throughout Kensington
Residents can learn more about how the program works, download information, and see example materials by visiting: https://www.kppcsd.org/blue-envelope-program-kensington
