For many people, seeing flashing blue lights in the rearview mirror can trigger immediate anxiety. For individuals with medical conditions or communication-related challenges, the stress can be even greater. A routine traffic stop can be confusing or overwhelming or lead to misunderstanding.

The Portsmouth Police Department in New Hampshire is working to change that through its Blue Envelope Program, an initiative designed to help drivers communicate important information to officers during traffic stops and other interactions.

The program grew out of the agency’s long-standing Vital Emergency Information (VEI) Program, which has served the community for more than a decade. While the two initiatives are connected, they serve different purposes. The VEI Program allows individuals and families to voluntarily provide information to the police department for inclusion in its local information system. The Blue Envelope Program, on the other hand, offers a more private option. Residents can keep important information with them without submitting it to a police database. Community members may choose to participate in either program or use both.

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