Blue Envelope Program
General Information
WHAT IS THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM?
Contact Information
Phone
(719) 520-2090
Address
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
Blue Envelope Program
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Hours of Operation
8:00am – 4:30pm
Additional Information
- Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, and individuals with dementia, or other conditions that could impact communication with law enforcement officers.
- Drivers with communication barriers (e.g., hearing impairments, language processing difficulties)
- Anyone who may benefit from extra understanding during a law enforcement encounter.
Participation is voluntary, there is no registry component, and there is no cost to receive a Blue Envelope.
- Obtain Your Envelope: You may pick one up at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, from our community partners, or request one online.
- Put Your Documents Inside: Store your registration and proof of insurance in the envelope. You may also wish to include specific information about challenges you may have and accommodations that may help with the encounter.
- Use It During Traffic Stop or Other Interaction with Law Enforcement: Hand the entire envelope to the law enforcement officer to quickly communicate that you may need additional support.
- Immediate Recognition: Officers know immediately that extra patience or specific communication methods may be needed.
- Reduced Stress: Having your documents in a colored envelope reduces confusion and anxiety during a traffic stop.
- Enhanced Safety: Clear communication and understanding can help prevent misunderstandings and create a more positive outcome.
All El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies receive ongoing communication training on the Blue Envelope Program as well as training to allow them to better communicate with community members with disabilities and communication challenges. This includes techniques like allowing extra time for processing or responses, minimizing sensory overload, and being aware of available accommodations.
- In Person at Our Office: Visit the El Paso County Sheriff Office lobby at 27 East Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
- Community Partners: Ask for a Blue Envelope at any of the participating community partners in the list provided below.
- Community Events: Look for our booth at local events and community gatherings.
Special Olympics Colorado Southeast Region (Blue Envelopes may be at Special Olympic Event and with Coaches of different teams)
Cimarron Hills Fire Department
Colorado State Patrol Troop 2B/2E
Manitou Springs Police Department
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Recording Department: 1675 West Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (Entrance on west exterior of the building)
El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Motor Vehicle Department, Main Branch: 1675 West Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Motor Vehicle Department, Southeast Branch: 5650 Industrial Place #1715, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Motor Vehicle Department, North Branch: 8830 North Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (Research Pkwy & Union Blvd)
El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Motor Vehicle Department, Fort Carson (South) Branch: 6351 Wetzel Avenue, Bldg. 1525, Fort Carson, CO 80913
Dear Citizen of the Pikes Peak Region,
I am pleased to introduce the Blue Envelope Project to the citizens, families, and business owners of El Paso County.
Launched in Connecticut in 2020, the Blue Envelope Program has been adopted by agencies nationwide. It has proven effective in building trust, easing anxiety, and improving outcomes during a wide range of public safety encounters.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is honored to lead this meaningful initiative, designed to promote safe and respectful interactions between first responders and individuals With communication-related conditions or disabilities. These may include autism, dementia, brain injuries, or other challenges that can affect how someone processes or responds during contact with law enforcement or emergency services.
We are working in partnership with local first responders, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations across El Paso County to expand access to this lifeenhancing program. Together, we are building a safer El Paso County for everyone.
The program provides our deputies with clear visual indicators to help them respond with added patience, awareness, and care. Free materials-including blue envelopes for vehicles or homes, wallet-sized cards, and window decals-are available to signal when someone may benefit from a more thoughtful approach during an interaction.
To learn more about my Office or the Blue Envelope Project, visit www.epcsheriff.com. No registration or personal information is required, and materials are available to anyone who needs them.
Bringing this program to El Paso County reflects my Office’s ongoing commitment to our community-centered public safety mission, focused on reducing victims and holding criminals accountable.
I encourage you to participate and help us raise awareness about this critical resource.
– Sheriff Joseph J. Roybal