The Operation SAFE CHILD ID Card program is a free public service administered by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. with the technological support of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Using equipment that contains the latest digital fingerprinting technology and high resolution photography capabilities, 64 County Sheriffs and other agencies are able to produce a SAFE CHILD ID card for parents and guardians.

The cards contain a child’s name, biographical information (including date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and other identifying data), and a fingerprint image of both index fingers.  The card can be made in less than two minutes and can be easily carried in a wallet or pocketbook.  The goal of this program is to record and 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 at a separate database at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).  In the event DCJS receives a missing child report, the fingerprints of that child will be included in a special search file and compared against all incoming fingerprints submitted to DCJS.  Once included in the database, parents or lawful guardians can request that information be purged at any time and, after a child turns 18, the fingerprints will be purged from the database.

In addition to being able to quickly provide important details to police agencies investigating child disappearances, the SAFE CHILD ID card will serve as an important tool when used in conjunction with the NYS AMBER Alert and Missing Child Alert programs.  These identification cards will allow essential missing child information to be electronically disseminated, statewide if necessary; within minutes and dramatically increase the possibility of bringing a missing child home.

For more information about how you can obtain an Operation SAFE CHILD ID card for your child or to host an Operation SAFE CHILD event in your community, please contact Mark Anderson at 518-434-9091 (manderson@nysheriffs.org) or the local participating Operation SAFE CHILD agency in your area.

Click here to see the list of participating agencies.

The Operation SAFE CHILD ID Card program is funded in part through donations from concerned New Yorkers.  100% of every contribution is used to locate and promote child safety.  Individuals or businesses interested in making a donation can do by mailing a check or money order payable to “Operation SAFE CHILD”, c/o New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., 27 Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207.  Donations to the Operation SAFE CHILD Program are not tax deductible.