“Statistics show that 34 percent of parents in the United States don’t know their child’s exact height, weight and eye color,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “When a child is reported missing, time can be the greatest adversary. Possessing up-to-date photos and important information about one’s child are important proactive measures a parent can take to assist law enforcement should a child disappear.”
To assist parents in this endeavor, Senator Hannon, in conjunction with Nassau County DA Madeline Singas, is proud to host an “Operation SAFE Child” ID program at the Plainedge Public Library (1060 Hicksville Road, Massapequa) on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Families who participate will receive a free, wallet-sized ID card containing a child’s name, biographical information (date of birth, age, gender, height, weight, hair and eye color) and a fingerprint image of both index fingers.
“The card is created in under two minutes,” said Hannon. “It can be carried in a wallet or purse.”
Interested parents can also choose to store the fingerprints, basic biographical information and photos of children. This information may be critical in the event of a lost or missing child. The storage of the information is entirely voluntary and requires the express written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Should the parent wish to share the information, it would be digitally recorded and stored in a state database; in the event the NYS DCJS (the agency which stores the information) receives a missing child report, the fingerprints of that child could then be used to help in the return of the missing child.
For more information, call Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700, or email Senator Hannon at hannon@nysenate.gov. The program is free and no reservations are required.
