Las Cruces police issue free Ident-A-Child cards for parents' peace of mind

Las Cruces Sun-News - 7/4/2017

July 04--LAS CRUCES -- A group of officers from the Las Cruces Police Department were busy Monday at the Children's Garden child-care center on Court Avenue.

The officers were helping parents and guardians take a proactive approach in protecting their children. They worked from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. making dozens of identification cards for children who showed up to the Ident-A-Child event.

"The Ident-A-Child (program) helps parents in case their kiddos go missing," Officer Maurice Hernandez said.

The identification cards are customized for each child and include a recent photo and thumb fingerprint. They also feature vital information such as the child's birth date, blood type, hair and eye color, as well as any medical conditions.

Hernandez said the identification goes a long way in helping parents and police locate missing children. "That will help us as officers get a look at what their child looks like, and we can assist them in finding their child if they become missing," she said.

The identification cards are free, and Hernandez recommends parents update their child's card each year. "They should update it as often as they can because their picture is always changing," she said.

After 2 p.m., nearly 50 children had received identification cards. About 39 were from the daycare center and the rest were walk-ins, according to director Maria Lerma.

Stephanie Garica, a mother of two, brought her children to the event on Monday afternoon. She had cards made for both of her children.

"I have a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old and sometimes going to the store -- or anywhere -- can be hectic," she said. "I wanted to do this for their protection and safety."

Garcia said the process took about five minutes, and at the end, her children received sticker police badges, in addition to the identification cards.

"It definitely gives me peace of mind," Garcia said. "I highly recommend to other parents. Like I said, we can't always keep an eye on our kids. So when worse comes to worse, it's always good to have added protection."

Additional Ident-A-Child events will be held this week at Children's Garden centers throughout Las Cruces. LCPD officers will make cards from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

* Wednesday: 2740 E. Northrise Drive.

* Thursday: 2305 Missouri Ave.

* Friday: 3860 Sonoma Springs Ave.

Carlos Andres López can be reached 575-541-5453, carlopez@lcsun-news.com or @carlopez_los on Twitter

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