To help bridge that communication gap—and as part of the University Police Department’s broader commitment to community policing that emphasizes understanding, empathy, and partnership—Cal Poly Humboldt is participating in the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative that promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and safety on campus.
The program provides people with a simple but powerful tool when driving: a blue envelope to keep in their car containing their driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. The envelope acts as a visual cue for law enforcement officers, signaling that the driver may benefit from specific communication or additional patience.
The idea of joining the program was brought to UPD by the Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC), a nonprofit that provides developmental disability resources on the North Coast.
“When engaging with the community, clear communication is essential to ensuring everyone’s safety,” says UPD Lt. Janelle Jackson. “This program provides officers and community members with the tools and information needed to better support individuals with specific needs. By improving communication, we build trust and collaboration, creating a safer and more supportive campus community.”
The program is entirely voluntary and has no registration component. Instead, it empowers individuals to self-identify and take charge of how they want to communicate during police encounters. The blue envelope can also hold contact information or notes about preferred communication methods—whether that’s written communication, extra processing time, or minimal sensory stimulation.
At Cal Poly Humboldt, the effort is a collaboration between UPD and the Campus Disability Resource Center (CDRC). Together, they’re working to introduce the program to the campus community through outreach and education. In addition to working with CDRC, UPD will be collaborating with the Arcata Police Department and other local agencies.
“This is about dignity and awareness,” says Cedric Aaron, Interim Assistant Director of the CDRC. “We want everyone on our campus—students, staff, visitors—to feel that their unique needs are understood and respected. Programs like the Blue Envelope remind us that inclusivity isn’t just about access to buildings or classrooms—it’s about how we treat one another in everyday situations.”
The Blue Envelope Program began in other parts of the country as a grassroots effort to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum. Since then, it has spread throughout California, with departments across the state adopting the initiative, including locally at the Arcata Police Department, Eureka Police Department, and the Rio Dell Police Department.
To help raise awareness, UPD and the CDRC will be tabling on the Quad on Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Community members can stop by to pick up their free blue envelope, learn how to use it, and talk with officers and CDRC staff about the program’s purpose.
For Jackson and Aaron, the Blue Envelope Program represents more than just a new tool—it’s a reflection of Humboldt’s values.
To learn more about how to participate in the Blue Envelope Program, contact UPD at 707-826-5555 or email upd@humboldt.edu