Douglas County-area law enforcement and first responders have joined a Blue Envelope program to help them better serve people who may respond to emergencies differently from the way officers are expecting.
“Not everyone responds the same in dealing with emergent and often stressful circumstances,” according to a Wednesday news from the Lawrence Police Department. “A variety of medical and mental health conditions can also cause people to act in ways that concern first responders and increase tension.”
Blue envelopes hold important documentation such as a driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration in one place, but they also explain medical conditions for the community member and the officer.
“The envelope gives officers notice that the person might need a little more time, might avoid eye contact, act in ways that appear strange, or could be overwhelmed by lights and noise,” according to the release.
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Bailey Salsbury, a school resource officer with LPD, learned about the program and worked to coordinate the effort, according to the release. LPD, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, and the KU, Baldwin City and Eudora police departments are all participating.
“Instead of trying to explain everything in the moment, they can just hand the envelope to the first person who arrives — or to an officer on a traffic stop — and let the information do the talking,” according to the release. “The program has been shown to avoid miscommunication, lower anxiety, and make it easier to stay calm and follow directions.”
Salsbury said officers are less likely to misunderstand certain behaviors as suspicious or uncooperative, “which helps prevent situations from escalating for unnecessary reasons. In the long run, tools like this can make traffic stops safer for everyone and build trust.”
Participants are also given an awareness decal that they can place on a vehicle or at the front door of a home.
“This program is about understanding and communication,” Douglas County Undersheriff Stacy Simmons said in the release. “A small visual cue like a Blue Envelope decal can make a big difference in how first responders approach a situation, helping us better serve individuals who may process information or respond differently.”
Blue envelopes are available at any of the participating agencies, according to the release. No one is required to use one.
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Know your rights
If you’re stopped by police:
• Rather than be confrontational during an interaction with police, it’s better to exercise your right to remain silent.
• If an officer asks you for identifying information, confirm that you are being required to provide that information.
• You do not have to consent to a search. Clarify whether you are able to refuse a search. If an officer believes your car contains evidence, your car can be searched without your consent.
More: ACLU of Kansas — Know Your Rights when Stopped by Police in Kansas
If you’re confronted by ICE:
• Stay calm. If you have lawful immigration status, show your documentation. If you’re undocumented, don’t provide false documents, and don’t discuss your immigration status with police, ICE or other officials.
• If an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official comes to your door, don’t open your door. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” do not grant authority to enter a home without consent of the occupant.
More: National Immigrant Justice Center — Know Your Rights: What to do if You or a Loved One is Detained; If You Encounter ICE
If someone you know is arrested in Douglas County:
• You can check the jail’s booking log at this link to confirm and see if a bond amount has been set.
• If bond is set in the case, you can pay it online via this link.
• The Douglas County Community Bail Fund might be able to help with limited assistance for misdemeanor bails. Call 785-764-3684 or email DGCOBailFund@gmail.com.
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Contributed photoLawrence, Douglas County law enforcement join program to improve safety in encounters
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
