Know your Child's Information by Obtaining a SAFE CHILD Card
Statistics show that 34 percent of parents in the United States do not know their child's exact height, weight, and eye color. And, when a child is reported missing, time can be the greatest adversary. Possessing up-to-date photographs and detailed information about a child are important proactive measures that greatly assist law enforcement in quickly responding to a child's disappearance.
SAFE CHILD equipment uses digital fingerprinting technology and high-resolution photography capabilities to produce SAFE CHILD cards for parents and guardians.
The cards contain a child's name, biographical information (date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc.), and a fingerprint image of both index fingers. The card is made in less than two minutes and can be easily carried in a wallet or pocketbook. Interested parents can choose to store the fingerprints, basic biographical information, and photographs of children who are not missing — information critical to expediting the return of a missing child. The storage of information is entirely voluntary and requires the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. The information gathered is digitally recorded and stored in a database at DCJS. In the event DCJS receives a missing child report, the fingerprints of that child are included in a special search file and compared against all incoming fingerprints submitted to the agency.
In addition to being able to quickly provide important details to police agencies investigating child disappearances, the SAFE CHILD card serves as an important tool when used in conjunction with the AMBER Alert and DCJS Missing Child/College Student Alert programs. The cards and database allow essential missing child information to be electronically disseminated, statewide if necessary, within minutes and dramatically increases the possibility of bringing a missing child home unharmed.
To participate, print and fill out an authorization form then bring it to the next Operation Safe Child Event.
Contact the Sheriff's Office Community Affairs Unit at (315) 765-2735 for information on the next Safe Child Event.
Child Passenger Safety
The Oneida County Sheriff's Office has Child Passenger Safety Technicians who educate and assist parents and caregivers on how to properly install and maintain their car seats. The parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance with installing car seats. The technicians ensure that the child is fitted to the proper car seat for both the child and their vehicle. Technicians participate in a variety of community-based activities. They attend a four-day training to be certified through SafeKids Worldwide in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Technicians also keep up-to-date on the latest technical information about child passenger safety through seminars and other continuing education.
To make an appointment for a Child Passenger Safety Technician to come to your home, please call the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Community Affairs Unit at (315) 765-2735.
