New police phone app can help find missing kids

PRATTEN grandfather Jay Innman is urging others to download a new smartphone application which helps parents quickly provide vital information to police if their child goes missing.

The Australian Police Child ID App was adapted from the successful FBI Child ID App in the United States.

It is free to download and allows parents and guardians to easily collect and send important information about their child to authorities if they disappear or are abducted.

Mr Innman, 52, has six grandchildren aged between 18 months and 13 years and downloaded the app after it was launched on Wednesday.

"I did it for my grandkids to make sure they are safe and sound," he said.

"When they go to high school, they will be catching the bus to and from Warwick which is a 30 minute drive.

"I like to be prepared and we think it's a good idea."

The application allows families to store photographs and information such as the child's name, address, date of birth, description and emergency contact phone numbers.

Mr Innman said many parents would not be thinking straight when questioned by police if they child went missing.

A police spokesperson said the application was free for Android and iPhone users.

"While the vast majority of children who go missing are quickly returned safely, usually within 24 hours of going missing, the application can be used to quickly provide crucial information to police, assisting them to expedite their search," the spokesperson said.

"The application also includes safety advice and checklists for parents on keeping children safe, information about what to do in the hours immediately after a child goes missing and provides quick and efficient access to emergency contact phone numbers."