Why have a Good Photo of Your Child?

One of the most important tools for law enforcement to use in the case of a missing child is... an up-to-date, good-quality photograph.

Noted below are some tips for parents and guardians regarding such a photograph.

The photograph should be:

• a recent, head-and-shoulders color photograph of the child in which the face is clearly seen.
• of "school-portrait" quality, and the background should be plain or solid so it does not distract from the subject.
• in a digitized form and available on a compact disk (CD), as opposed to just a hard copy. This minimizes the time necessary to scan, resize, and make color corrects before disseminating it to law enforcement.
• an accurate depiction of the child, not overly posed or "glamorized." Nor should other people, animals, or objects be in the photograph. The photograph should not be taken outside, out of focus, torn, damaged, or very small.
• have space below is for a narrative description to Identify the childs name, nickname, height, weight, gender, eye color, marks, moles, braces and glasses.
• updated at least every six months for children 6 years of age or younger and then once a year, or when a child's appearance changes.
• All copies of child's photograph and information should be maintained in an easily accessible, secure space by the parents or guardian.
• The photograph and data should not be stored in a public database.

More Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a cherished tradition but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful. Parents need to take a moment to remind their children how special they are and how important it is for them to review and remember their safety plans and rules as they enjoy their evening of fun because, as all radKIDS know, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO HURT THEM!!!!!

~A parent, older sibling or trusted adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If older children are going alone, have at least 2 buddies go along. Plan and review the entire route and make sure your family knows what it is. Agree on a specific time when you should return home.

~Remember your radKIDS rule for Sight, Sound and Distance, stay with your group and communicate where you will be going to each other.

~Carry a cell phone for quick communication and remember YOUR NUMBER! Call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency, become lost or afraid.

~Everyone should carry a flashlight with fresh batteries to light the way. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to flashlights, costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. ~Don’t run; walk, slither, and creep on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk to the far left edge of the roadway facing traffic.

~Be careful and remember the radKIDS rules for vehicle safety. Stop at all corners, look left-right-and left again before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying bats. ~Cross streets as a group and only at corners or established crosswalks. ~Don’t hide or cross the street in between parked cars.

~Do not cut through back alleys, fields or across yards or driveways. ~Stay on side walks and in well-lighted areas.

~Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.

~Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

~Run away from people who try to entice you with special treats. Scream, holler, make a scene and use your radKIDS skills (Hammer, Pepper, Kick) if anyone tries to grab you or force you to go with them.

~Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know. Pets can get spooked on Halloween too.

~radKIDS know that bullies and older kids don’t have any right to hurt them so if tricked or threatened by a Halloween Bully, run and get help and always remember it is not your fault; no one has the right to hurt you.

~Halloween decorations often are lit by candles. Keep away from open fires & candles.

~Have your parent or a trusted adult inspect your treats before eating. Don’t eat anything if the package appears to have been tampered with, opened or is not wrapped.

~Children should report any suspicious incidents to their parents or guardians or to law enforcement.

Parents, please click the link at the top for your own PDF version to share with your children.