Child Identification Program
Child Identification (Child ID) is a program made available to parents who wish to have a way of uniquely identifying their young children. Specially trained Community Policing volunteers will take the child’s fingerprints; these are turned over to the parents (the RCMP DO NOT keep a copy). The parents are encouraged to attach a current picture of the child (the latest school photo) to the fingerprints and store them in a safe place. Should the need to identify the child, (ie: abduction), be necessary, the fingerprints offer absolute proof as to the correct identity of the child.
Why should I fingerprint my child?
Fingerprints will NOT find a missing child, but they do help in identification once a child has been found.
How often should a child be fingerprinted?
Although they never change throughout life, it is useful to repeat fingerprinting that has been done on youngsters under the age of 7 because once the child reaches this age, the prints become better defined. A child’s footprint is often taken instead of fingerprints until they reach the age of 2 years. Hand prints are taken between the ages 2-6 years and then the individual fingerprints are taken thereafter.
Besides fingerprints, what other information should be kept?
An updated file should be kept on each child and should include the following:
- A recent photograph (head shot). Child ID recommends children of school age be photographed annually and that children of preschool age, particularly under 2 years, be photographed every 6 months.
- Medical records, including drugs, allergies or medications that might be needed.
- Height and weight.
- Identifying marks - birth marks, scars, etc.
- Copies of custody papers, passports and birth certificates as applicable.
For further information, please contact:
Colleen Cornock
Community Policing Coordinator
Mission Community Policing Office
4065 Lakeshore Rd
Kelowna, BC V1W 1V7
Phone: (250) 764-5004