Goal is to ease interactions with police during traffic stops
OCEAN CITY — In a bid to ease interactions between officers and autistic motorists, the Ocean City Police Department is implementing an idea brought to it by a 2011 Ocean City High School graduate.
Individuals who are on the autism spectrum will be able to pick up a special Blue Envelope at police headquarters at 835 Central Ave. The envelope, which will hold a motorist’s important papers, has instructions on both sides, one for the driver and the other for the officer.
There are three key instructions on the front for the driver, which begins: “The officer is here to help keep you and others be safe.”
The instructions are:
– Keep your hands on the steering wheel unless otherwise directed, even if the officer is not at your car.
– The officer may shine a flashlight in your car, may have a radio and may have flashing lights on their car.
– When the officer gets to your car, let the officer know you have a Blue Envelope, answer the officer’s questions and ask the officer for permission before moving any parts of your body.”
The flip side provides autism awareness for the officer:
– The driver may exhibit signs of anxiety due to bright lights and noises.
– Allow driver extra time to respond.
– Speak clearly and use the most simplistic explanations possible. Avoid unnecessary detail.
– Driver may display repetitive body movements or fidgeting and have unusual eye contact.
– Autistic individuals may have unusual responses to authority figures. Please show patience.
– If the driver becomes upset, consider contacting the person listed on the contact card in the envelope.
– Clearly tell the driver when the stop is over and they can leave.
The instructions also can tell the officer how the motorist communicates: vocal speech, pictures, electronic device, sign language and/or writing.
Steffen Klenk, a local reporter and photographer who is an OCHS grad and autism advocate, explained the program at a press conference Thursday with Police Chief Bill Campbell, Deputy Chief Clint Helphenstine, Sgt. Chris Vivarelli and Karen Mahar, director of the Ocean City Free Public Library, which is co-sponsoring the program.
After going through the aspects of the envelopes, Klenk recalled the anxiety it provoked when he was stopped by a police officer while driving.
“I didn’t know what to expect. I always had those nerves and anxiety. Thankfully I have people that are around me who are very supportive and they were able to help me through the situation,” he said.
Klenk learned about the Blue Envelope program and he and his mother, Pamela Klenk, brought the idea to Vivarelli.
“When (the program) first came to the state, I was like, ‘This is a positive thing. This is going to help so many people.’ Other communities have had this,” Klenk said. “This will be great to see in Ocean City. This is happening and it’s unbelievable. It really is. This is going to help our community in so many ways.”
“I’ve seen how successful it is and what it means for the lives of individuals with autism in their communities,” he added.
The Ocean City Blue Envelope program is modeled and similar to other programs used in the state.
Not only will it give drivers more independence, Klenk said it will give parents a lot of reassurance.
“I think it goes a long way addressing concerns on both sides,” Chief Campbell said, both for the person with autism and for the officer so they may understand the proper questions to ask. Campbell added he is excited and enthusiastic about implementing the program in the resort.
“If you are autistic and you’re driving and you’re pulled over, don’t be afraid,” the chief said. “Know that this Blue Envelope is available … you can basically assure yourself that the lines of communication between you and the police officer would probably go smoother.”
Campbell said he listens to any ideas that improve lines of communication because it’s a win-win for the public and police department.
Klenk said he appreciated the support from the police chief and Sgt. Vivarelli.
“When I was meeting with (Vivarelli) just a few months ago and I brought it up I was very enthusiastic and I knew how much of a benefit this was going to be, and I could tell he was excited about it too. I commend him for that and Karen (Mahar) as well for her support of the program. It really makes a difference.”
Mahar said the library was “all in” when Vivarelli told her about it. She noted it was eye-opening for her because people who don’t have autism may not realize what would happen during an interaction with police.
She noted the timing for the start of the program because April is Autism Awareness Month.
Klenk said each person with autism has his or her own style of communication.
“Everyone has their way of learning, so we’re all built a little differently, but we’re all living, we’re all working. We’re educating, we’re volunteering and we’re making the world just a little bit better for everyone,” Klenk said.
Vivarelli thanked Steffen and his mother for coming to him. In turn, Vivarelli thanked the police administration, including the chief and deputy chief, for supporting the idea, and the library for throwing its weight behind the plan and partnering with the department.
“As a mom, I just can’t tell you how much this support means to me as a parent,” Pamela Klenk said. “The anxieties of having a new driver is extreme.” She said the program will make new drivers, who could be of any age, feel more secure. “It’s just the support that we’re just so grateful for from this whole community.”
The police department will be advertising the program via its social media presence and information should be forthcoming on the city’s website, ocnj.us. For now the envelopes are available at the front desk of the OCPD at 835 Central Ave.
“This is a mechanism to keep people safe,” Campbell said. “If we can bridge the gap and make a better experience for somebody with autism … it’s a win for everybody.”
– STORY and PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
