School’s officially over and it’s time off in the neighborhood or it’s off to camp they go. There’s been an up-tick in attempted abductions locally so it’s a good time to take some extra steps to keep the kids safe.

The FBI’s free Child ID App, provides parents with an easy way to electronically store their children’s pictures and vital information to have on hand in case, God forbid their kids go should missing.

The application, which works on most Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, allows parents to store up-to-date images and physical descriptions—like height, weight, birthmarks, etc.—that could help responders in the event of an emergency. The information is stored only on your device—not with your mobile provider or the FBI. 

The latest version of the Child ID App contains updated features, including high-resolution image capability, a default recipient field (where you can enter your local police department’s e-mail address, for example), and optional automatic reminders to update your children’s profiles. You can call 911 directly from the app and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children with a press of a button and send all the description information with high resolution pictures including identifying marks (you can take them right from inside the app) directly to your local police who will have all the information they need to take action immediately.

The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android and on iTunes for Apple.

The Child ID App also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after, God forbid, a child goes missing.

Ron Benvenisti
CyVision Technologies, Inc