Cranberry aims to improve communication between disabled drivers/passengers and first responders
CRANBERRY TWP — Getting pulled over by police is not fun for anyone. But for individuals with autism, communication obstacles or hidden disabilities, it can induce serious anxiety.
The township’s police department, in partnership with Cranberry’s EMS and volunteer fire department, has taken steps toward helping those individuals better handle high-stress interactions with first responders.
On Thursday morning, Sept. 24, township police introduced its Blue Envelope Program at the Municipal Center’s council chamber.
Along with some of the township’s first responders, officials from Seneca Valley School District and a few representatives from area nonprofits that support autism patients also attended.
Through the program, the township will provide envelopes to qualifying individuals, which act as a tool of communicating more effectively and reducing tension.
Ken Ruckel, chief of police, said the program is designed to support those with unique needs by helping first responders recognize special needs and adjust accordingly in times of emergency.
The envelopes hold vital documents and provide information about the driver’s or passenger’s communication preferences or medical considerations to officers, who can refer to them during a traffic stop or emergency.
A sticker helps officers identify a case that calls for special assistance, Ruckel said. Envelopes can be placed in the glove compartment for easy access.
“That information helps the officer understand the situation and respond appropriately during what may be a stressful encounter,” he said.
The program also comes with a yellow envelope for EMS providers and a red envelope for fire rescuers that work in the same way.
Scott Garing, Cranberry’s fire chief, said firefighters are often forced to play detective during calls to find crucial information about people involved. He said the envelopes will help save first responders valuable time.
Ruckel said participation is not limited to any specific disability, but to anyone who thinks they can benefit from the support.
Envelopes can be picked up at the township police department or the township’s customer service center at the Municipal Center.
The envelope program is conducive to the township’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for the township’s residents and visitors, said Dan Santoro, township manager.
“At the heart of that mission is a simple belief that every person deserves to feel safe, understood, respected within our community,” he said.
Ruckel said state police launched its own blue envelope program earlier this year, and Cranberry police used it as a model for the township’s program. The township also received help from Seneca Valley’s special education department, he added.
Ruckel said Mike Manipole, the police department’s community service officer, played a key role in putting the program together. Manipole said the initiative was a team effort.
Manipole said the program is an effort to make interactions with all three first responder groups positive for those who communicate differently.
“We want you guys all to know something: We see you. We respect you. We want to understand you, and we want to support you,” he said.
