Boulder County, Colo. - The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has launched their Blue Envelope Program, a program designed to improve communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with a condition or disability such as autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or other conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.

How It Works

Participants fill out a blue envelope with important information that may help deputies better understand their needs. This provides officers with key details without requiring individuals to explain their situation in the moment.

All deputies have undergone training on common needs and best practices to support positive interactions with community members.

How to Participate

• Blue envelopes are available upon request at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder), Lyons Substation (430 Railroad Ave, Lyons), Nederland Substation (20 Lakeview Dr, Nederland), and Superior Substation (405 Center Dr, Unit F, Superior).
• You can also request an envelope by emailing BCSO@BoulderCounty.gov.
• Participation is voluntary, there is no registry component, and there is no cost to receive a Blue Envelope.

Using the Blue Envelope

• Recommended storage: Keep the envelope in your vehicle’s glove box.
• During a law enforcement interaction: Inform the deputy that you will be handing them your Blue Envelope.
• You only need to utilize one blue envelope from a participating law enforcement agency, you do not need multiple envelopes for each participating agency.
• Contents: Participants may include copies of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and other relevant documents.
• Exterior information: The envelope provides guidance for both the driver and deputy, including:
• Tips for deputies to improve communication.
• Space for participants to list relevant medical, verbal, or neurological conditions.
• Optional emergency contact information.

Important Reminders

While this program is designed to support positive interactions, please keep the following in mind:

• All individuals, including those using the Blue Envelope, must follow the law.
• Deputies may still need to use appropriate safety measures—including reasonable force, when necessary—to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

For more information or to request an envelope, email BCSO@BoulderCounty.gov, or visit the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Blue Envelope Program website.

Front and back of blue envelope