The Thornton Police Department has launched a Blue Envelope Program in an effort to improve communication between police and residents.

Residents can pick up a free blue envelope from the department to store driving documents, such as a driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance, so they are ready to hand to police during a traffic stop.

The Blue Envelope Program launched this summer, Thornton Police Department spokesperson Kimberly Twinem told The Denver Gazette. 

Included on the outside of the envelope is information, such as medical and communication needs and emergency contact information, Twinem said. The envelopes also have information about how to interact with law enforcement during traffic stops and calls for service. 

“Do: Take a deep breath and listen to questions and directions. Tell the officer you have a blue envelope and provide it when asked. Keep hands visible to the officer,” the envelope reads. “Don’t: Reach for things without permission. Leave without permission.”

The program is a partnership between Thornton police, Thornton fire and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office intended to improve interactions between first responders and drivers with autism, developmental disabilities or communication challenges, according to the department’s website.

It cost the department about $300 to print the envelopes, Twinem said.

“The envelope acts as a signal indicating that additional time, understanding, or accommodations may be needed,” the department’s website says.

No information from the envelope is stored, according to the website.

The department does not have a record of how many envelopes have been picked up since the program started, Twinem said.

The Thornton Police Department is “always seeking ways we can more effectively communicate with all members of our community,” Twinem said, adding that the program didn’t emerge from any specific incident or issue, but rather as an effort by the department to improve communication between officers and the public.

“We recognize interacting with first responders can be overwhelming, and this program helps facilitate a more calm and informed conversation,” she said. “To help reduce some of that stress and uncertainty, we are working to provide our community with a communication tool designed to foster understanding, increase transparency, and support more positive interactions between community members and emergency personnel. Our goal is to ensure that every individual feels heard, respected, and safe during these interactions.”

In 2024, Thornton police recorded almost 34,000 traffic stops. This year to date, they’ve recorded 22,209.

The program comes at a time when police in neighboring jurisdiction Aurora are under scrutiny for use of force. Aurora is currently facing two lawsuits for two separate incidents in which officers are being accused of unlawful use of force. 

In October, Thornton Police Department Ofc. Robert Smedley shot and killed William Skells at the end of a prolonged shootout. Smedley was cleared by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s office in July. 

In 2025 so far, the Thornton Police Department has reported 22 police use of force incidents, according to Twinem.

Blue envelopes can be picked up at the following locations.

• Thornton Police Department Headquarters, 9551 Civic Center Drive
• Fossil Ridge Public Safety Center, 13150 Quebec St.
• Fire Administration, 2330 Thornton Parkway.
• Community Center, 2211 Eppinger Blvd.
• Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd.
• Trail Winds Recreation Center, 13495 Holly St.