CUPD introduces Blue Envelope Program to support inclusive police interactions
The 勛圖厙 of Colorado Police Department (CUPD) is introducing the Blue Envelope Program, a new voluntary tool designed to support clearer communication and understanding between police officers and community members who may need additional accommodations during an interaction.
The program aims to reduce the potential for miscommunicationparticularly for individuals with invisible disabilitiesby allowing officers to receive key information quickly and respectfully. The Blue Envelope provides a way for community members to share helpful details without the pressure of explaining their needs during a stressful or time-sensitive situation.
This program is about awareness and trust, said Joshua Ferguson, CUPD police commander. The Blue Envelope helps our officers better understand the needs of the person theyre interacting with, while giving community members a simple way to communicate information that may support a calmer, clearer interaction.
How it works
All CUPD staff have been trained on the Blue Envelope Program, including common accommodation needs and best practices for engaging with individuals who may communicate differently or experience heightened stress during police encounters. The training reflects CUPDs ongoing commitment to thoughtful, professional interactions with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Participation in the program is entirely voluntary. Any community member may request a Blue Envelope at the CUPD Records Desk, located at 1050 Regent Drive, Boulder, CO 80301. No participant list is maintained, and no information is stored by CUPD.
The envelope is designed to be kept in a vehicles glove box and presented to an officer at the beginning of an interaction. Inside, participants may include copies of documents such as a drivers license, registration or insurance. The exterior of the envelope also offers guidance for both the driver and the officer, including optional notes about communication preferences, medical or neurological considerations, and emergency contact information if the participant chooses to provide it.
Why Blue Envelope?
The Blue Envelope Program is also used by and the .
While CUPD believes the Blue Envelope Program can support clearer communication, the department emphasizes that all community members are still expected to follow the law. There may also be situations where officers must take appropriate safety measures to ensure everyones safety. As the program is new, first responders from other jurisdictions may not yet recognize the Blue Envelope.
This is one way we are continuing to support thoughtful, professional police interactions, Ashley Griffin, CUPD police chief said. We want members of our community to feel informed and respected when they engage with CUPD.
The Blue Envelope Program reflects CUPDs broader commitment to inclusive public safety practices and to fostering understanding and trust across the CU Boulder community.
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