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CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (CHIP) article by Bro. David Hensley PM
We have gotten Kits on about 197 kids so far.
Contact the "CHIP" Program Committee to find out more or to set up a free interview event.
We would like to thank our sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
American Bank - Columbus - Baxter Springs - Riverton
Gold Sponsors
Stanley Bank - Columbus
Simpson Funeral Home - Columbus
4 - State Printing - Columbus
Kansas State Troopers Association
Silver Sponsors
City of Columbus Police Dept
5 Mile Children's Foundation - Baxter Springs
Bronze Sponsors
Crossland Construction Company - Columbus
Mike Carpino Ford Mercury - Columbus
Glasgow Body & Frame - Columbus
Exchange State Bank - Columbus
Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Buick Pontiac - Columbus
Charles E. Maxwell Jr.
Abbott Funeral Home - Baxter
Columbus Daily Advocate - Columbus
Baxter Springs News - Baxter Springs
Galena Sentinel Times - Galena
Honorable Mention
State Farm Insurance (Rod Burns Agent) - Baxter
Calibrated Forms - Columbus
Prudence Masonic Lodge is raising money to fund a local CHIP Program. Nov.2007
On average in the United States a child is reported missing every 43 seconds, according to the National Crime Information Center.
Locally there have not been a missing child in years, it could happen any day. In the event that a child is reported missing if the child has been to a local CHIP event the parents will have a few more tools to help police find their child.
Within about 15 minutes we can create an individual identification kit for the parents to take home and keep. This would make the child's identity ready for use in case of an emergency.
At a CHIP event the child would pass through various stations in order to create the ID kit. Each kit will contain a DNA cheek swab, digital still photo, finger prints, and a video imaged interview. (Cheek cells in saliva provide DNA, which can uniquely identify anyone.
Amber Alert is in operation throughout Kansas as well as many other states. The color photo in the kit could be circulated by police to media throughout the state within two hours of an abduction. The brief videotaped interview could be invaluable to an investigator: the KS CHIP interview would capture the appearance, speech, mannerisms, and important personal characteristics of a child.
No information will be kept by the Masonic Lodge or the police except a permission slip signed by the parents. The completed kit would be given to the parents to be put away in safe keeping.
In an effort to aid law enforcement in the event of a tragedy the Prudence Lodge A.F. & A.M. are attempting to raise $2,600.00 to purchase one unit. Eventually we would like to acquire three to four units so that we can get as many children covered as possible.
"We would really like to get a kit on every kid in the county" said Columbus Chief of Police Chuck Sharp, Sr., "We hope none of the information is ever used but when it is needed it would be available to us very quickly."
The program is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Kansas and the Kansas Sheriffs Association and many local police entities. KS CHIP collection events would be held in schools, shopping areas, local businesses, at the county fair, 4-H club, Boy Scout, and Girl Scout meetings. The information collection event itself increases awareness that could discourage would-be predators from considering our community for an abduction.
Those wishing to donate to the purchase of the equipment may do so to any lodge member or at the Columbus, KS police station. If you do not live locally but wish to contribute to this worthy cause you may do so by sending your donation to: Prudence Lodge #100 CHIP FUND P.O. BOX 501 Columbus, KS 66725.