Ident-A-Kid provides parents with a readily available photograph, physical description, and fingerprints of their children. This information would be of great importance in the worst of worst-case scenarios a missing or abducted child.

When this unthinkable crime occurs, time is of the essence. It is important that law enforcement agencies have the information available that can help provide precise identification and an immediate retrieval mechanism to activate in the event of a missing child. Indent-A-Kid and child registry can very well act as a deterrent to child abduction.

Education is probably the best deterrent. Listed here are some safety tips that parents should know and pass on to our most precious resource, our children.

Statistics show that every year, one million children disappear from their homes. One hundred thousand never return and of these, 5,000 are buried unidentified each year. There are frightfully staggering numbers.

The most important step a parent can take is to open the line of communication with the child. Let your child know that you want to hear what they have to say and that you will believe them before anyone else. In other words, build a bond of trust.

Teach children that they have the right to say no. Help them learn to say it assertively. If a loudly shouted "No!" doesn't work, teach them to scream. My kids know how to scream they just need to know when it's appropriate.

Never tell children that they must obey, without exception, anyone in authority. Never force them to touch someone they don't want to touch or be touched by someone who they don't want touching them. This sounds redundant; however, we sometimes allow this for the sake of politeness. Teach them that there are certain ways that adults, older children, babysitters, etc., should not touch them. Make sexual abuse a part of the overall teaching of personal safety. Teach children the correct terms for their body parts.

Never leave your child alone or unattended at any time, even for a moment. Children should never be allowed to roam a shopping center or go to restroom alone in any public place. Most child abductions occur during the daylight in the open or in public places.

Warn children never to open the door at home to a stranger.

Do not warn your children only about dangerous strangers or bad people. Teach them that it is possible to be endangered by someone they know.

Do warn your children about strangers making approaches, offers, requests, etc. They should never accept a gift, treat, ride, etc. They should ignore a stranger's request for directions or assistance. Examples: "Help me find my dog," or "I need your help." Also, ignore strangers offers of help such as, "Come with me, your mother or father has been in an accident."

Know where your children are at all times. Know whom their friends are, where they live and the names of the responsible guardian.

Know all of the places our kids and their friends play. Set definite times for them to return home or check in by phone. Don't fall victim to the beeper or pager as a means of communication. Make sure children adhere to the limits set on the amount of time away and when to return home

Know the route your kids take to and from school. Tell them never to take shortcuts or alter the route. Have them walk in pairs or groups, never alone.

Inform the school that it is important to let you know if your child does not arrive. The school should never release the child to anyone but you or someone you designate. A code word between you and your child could be used to identify any person so designated.

Make sure your kids know their address and phone number. Teach them how to make an emergency phone call (911), including long distance procedures.

I hope this list helps educate, not intimidate. Our children depend on us for so much let's do all we can.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact Chief John Ellison or myself at the Edwardsville Police Department.