Yarmouth Police to Host Child Protection Program

On Saturday May 12th, 2007 the Yarmouth Police Department will host a child protection day in the Law Enforcement Training Center at the Yarmouth Police Headquarters from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

The free event—will feature the Masonic Child Identification Program (CHIP) along with information useful for child protection and safety. The program is specially designed for children in age groups of K-12.  

CHIP provides parents with four methods for finding and identifying their children:   

VIDEOTAPE: A brief videotaped interview that can be quickly distributed to the media in order to reach a huge audience.  

FINGERPRINTING: Fingerprinting is a well-known means of identification. Resourceful parents keep fingerprints available should the need arise.

TOOTHPRINTS: A tooth print bite impression is quick and easy. Teeth, like fingerprints are unique. A dental imprint gives both accurate and important information for identification purposes.

CHEEKSWAB: A Q-tip is gently rubbed on the inside of a child’s cheek to gather DNA material.

Parents retain all materials for safekeeping.

This program has identified 226,284 children since it inception according to the Masonic Youth Child Protection Program website. It provides tools for Law Enforcement to use to help find children during the most critical hours after a child goes missing and a permanent identification record in the event of a tragedy.  The Masons of Massachusetts donate MYCHIP resources to make the service available to the public.  

This article compiled from information provided by the Yarmouth Police Department - Steven G. Xiarhos and from http://mychip.org where additional information may be obtained.