FBI Releases New Version of Child ID App


May 22, 2015

The FBI released an updated version of its free mobile application which it designed to help law enforcement find missing children.


Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI releases an updated version of its free mobile application which it designed to help law enforcement find missing children. Parents and guardians can use the FBI’s Child ID App to store their children’s pictures and identifiers, like height and weight. In the event your child goes missing, the app provides an easy and fast way to alert authorities. Unit Chief Scott McMillion…

Scott McMillion: Every second, every minute, is critical. And so the more that we have about that child up front, the faster we’re going to be able try to attempt to resolve that case.

Halpern: The app provides guidance on what to do in the critical hours after a child goes missing. It also has tips to keep kids safe. The app’s updated version comes as the FBI joins the nation in observing National Missing Children’s Day.

The day honors Etan Patz—a 6-year-old who disappeared in New York City in 1979 and hasn’t been seen since. The day also remembers the between 50 to 100 children who are abducted or kidnapped each year.

McMillion: It’s a rare event, but when it does happen, trust me, we want to use every available resource that we can to find that child.

Halpern: The FBI does not collect or store the information on your child unless you provide it to us during an emergency. To learn more about the FBI’s Child ID App, visit iTunes or Google Play. I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.

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