Local law enforcement officers are encouraging parents to take advantage of an app that could provide pertinent and time-saving information to police if a child goes missing.
The FBI's Child ID app is the first mobile application created by the FBI, which is designed to provide a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information with a click of a button.
Aiken Public Safety Lt. David Turno explained that the app prompts parents to enter the type of information police would need in the event of an emergency, including an up-to-date photo.
"So many people carry these phones now that they can quickly send the information to police officers who can send out photos to other agencies," Turno said.
Right now, the Child ID app is only available for use on iPhones and iPads and can only be downloaded for free from the App Store on iTunes.
The FBI plans to expand this tool to other types of mobile devices in the near future.
In the coming weeks and months, the FBI will add new features that will have the ability to upload other photos stored on smartphones.
Neither the FBI nor iTunes is collecting or storing any photos.
The app is designed for parents to store the information on their mobile devices to have on hand in the event of an emergency.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
