12/03/2025

Ohio's Blue Envelope Program expands to Greenville, fostering trust in traffic stops

Jeff Schrock

GREENVILLE, Ohio (WKEF) -- The Greenville Police Department is partnering with the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities to start Ohio's Blue Envelope Program.

The program, used successfully across Ohio, is designed to help people with disabilities feel more comfortable during interactions with law enforcement while traveling in a vehicle. When an officer makes a traffic stop certain actions from drivers can put them on alert. Now, picture that from the driver or passenger side, knowing your ability to communicate with an officer may be hindered by your disability.

"If they were to be a situation where somebody was in an interaction with the first responder we want to make sure as much information is shared, so that interaction can be so that each party could engage in the best manner," said Sue Huston, community connections and advocacy coordinator with Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Users of the Blue Envelope Program simply can put their important documents in the envelope and hand it to the responding law enforcement or emergency personnel. There's a blue decal that can be placed on windows either on a vehicle or at home to discreetly communicate they participate in the program and a card for people who want a method of communication they can carry.

"We want to help people we want to be more understanding. We want people to be comfortable. We know this population needs a little bit more understanding and so for our staff and the training that we do, it's all about making people comfortable," said Chief Ryan Benge of Greenville Police Department.

There are several nearby counties like Darke County participating. Law enforcement and advocates say the Ohio Envelope Program isn't just about convenience, it's about building trust and compassion between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

"They want to be as prepared as they can be for a good interaction and for the best outcome," Huston said.

You can get free blue envelope kit at Greenville Police Department, Darke County Sheriff's Office, Arcanum Police Department, Greenville Township Emergency Services. You can reach out to Huston at 937-459-4629 with any questions.

Another tool that first responders in Darke County will have in their vehicle is sensory bags. 30 bags were put together by the Darke County Action Club. The bags contain noise canceling headphones, weighted blanket, sunglasses and communication boards that the first responders or officers can point to or spell out.

Clark County is introducing the Blue Envelope Program. It will be launched at an event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S. Charleston Pike. The event will go on rain or shine, and admission is free.