Because I feel it is so important, I’ve decided to post another article on the Amber Alert program, this time focusing on what’s called the Amber Alert Child ID Kit.
The Kit is not physical in the sense of something you can hold in your hand, at least not all of it. Actually, the kit is USB device, loaded with a software program that was developed to make it easy for parents and guardians to use.
In the event of an emergency, you simply present the USB device to a law enforcement agent and provide them with the password so they can quickly start the process for issuing an Amber Alert.
The process begins when local law enforcement is notified that a child has been abducted. They verify that the abduction meets AMBER Alert criteria. If it does, they will issue an actual AMBER Alert and provides the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) with relevant information to include in the outgoing Alert.
AMBER Alert designed and developed the software using their in-depth experience with the requirements of law enforcement agencies, and by evaluating other ID Kits on the market. Kingston Technology, the worlds leading supplier of memory products, provides the USB device (hardware) for the Child ID Kit.
No one is suggesting that your child will be abducted, go missing or get lost. The possibility exists, however, since “children run a mile a second.” The software was created primarily for emergency situations where time is of the essence, and the more prepared you are (before the fact), the faster law enforcement can proceed with finding your child (after the fact).
The Kingston USB device is only 2.5″ long making it very easy to attach to your key chain to carry with you or keep in a safe place. Also, the device is password protected and encrypted, so if you lose it, no one can access that information without your password and there are no “back doors.” If you forget your password, the Child ID Kit has to be reset and you’ll loose all the information previously stored on it. Hence, it is highly recommended that you remember the password for the Child ID Kit.
Again, when/ if you find yourself in an emergency, you should give the Child ID Kit with the password to the police. The police will then use the information for their investigation and attempt to issue an AMBER Alert.
According to Amber Alert,
“With the Child ID Kit you can easily keep [an] old photo and simply add a newer one, at the same time update the information. Some organizations offer similar devices to the AMBER Alert.com Child ID Kit, for example they will give you an option to send information over the internet (unsecure).
You will need a personal or laptop computer that runs Microsoft Windows, and has an open USB port — these are quite common on most recent computers. Just insert the Child ID Kit (i.e., the USB device) into the port and wait for the software to launch automatically. There is no need to install any software, nor is any internet connection needed. The Child ID Kit has a memory of 512MB, which is large enough to hold up to 100 photos of your child!
Children grow pretty fast, so they recommend you update your child’s information and photos either every six months or once a year on your child’s birthday. And, for those who want to take matters a step further: Under the heading “Support,” they provide ideas that may help you find where to fingerprint, scan or even get DNA samples of your child in your local area!
And, of course, if you’d like to read more, we’ve got more information on the Wireless Amber Alert service provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Thanks for caring!
