Free Child ID Kits Feb. 15 at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Pierce College’s Criminal Justice Club is working with the Lakewood Police Department and the state’s CHIPs child ID program to keep local children safe in emergencies.

From 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, parents can have their children fingerprinted and receive DNA swabs, dental impressions, and a video—items that will be critical in locating a child in an emergency situation. The ID kits will be available on the third floor of the Cascade building at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood.

Pierce’s Criminal Justice club has been offering the free ID kits to parents for the last seven years. It’s a service members feel strongly about.

“Law enforcement use these tools to help locate missing children or reunite children with their families in natural disasters and emergencies,” explained Teresa Carlo, instructor and club advisor. “Parents who have these records already available are at a great advantage.”

Parents take the entire kit home with them; no records are kept by law enforcement or Pierce College. Parents will need to store their own identification kit.

Because of limited supplies, parents are asked to call ahead to reserve a kit for their child or children. Contact Teresa Carlo via phone at (253) 964-6357 or via email at tcarlo@pierce.ctc.edu.