When something happens to a child, it’s better to be prepared – and that is where the MASONICh.I.P program comes in.
Many parents are unprepared when it comes to having identifying items to help law enforcement officials quickly recover a child who is missing.
The program, offered at no cost to parents or guardians, is a way to collect that information and packages it with the sentiment “We hope you will never need to use it.”
Programs such as the one held on May 28 at the Fergus Curling Club, give a small sampling of what the Masons offer.
The program creates digital finger prints, digital still photos, a video interview, dental impressions or DNA swab, as well as basic information printed onto a data sheet.
The data are then burned onto a compact disc and the complete package is given to the parents.
The Masons themselves keep only the signed and dated permission slip to perform the service.
Wellington District Coordinator William Jones explained the program originated in the United States, when the authorities there found it could take considerable time to issue an amber alert if a child goes missing. He said parents fill out a physical description form, the child is measured for height and weight.
That information is then entered onto a computer, digital fingerprints are taken, a digital photo of the face and profiles, and a short video where the child answers some questions such as their name, where they like to play, or where they go if upset.
“The importance of the video is that you not only get the image, but the audio. Recognition is much better when you have both senses involved,” Jones said.
He said a hard copy of the physical description is printed – to verify with the parent that the information is correct.
“We only retain the consent form. All other information is returned to the parent.”
Jones said the other part of the program is the dental bite plate. For small children without teeth, a cheek swab is done to obtain DNA.
Jones explained the bite plate is done to get a dental impression, a DNA sample, and a scent sample.
“There are now tracking dogs that can pick up the scent from a dental plate which is five years old – and find that child.”
Jones explained “the intent of the program is that in the event the child goes missing, the parent now has a current photograph, all the descriptors of the child, in one place, and in a format which can be given to a police officer, inserted into an onboard computer, and sent out with an Amber Alert in a matter of seconds.”
He said the formatting is also compatible with the media, so that when it goes to local television, radio, or print, everything they need to put the information out to the public is there – all in one place.
“We have done children as young as 10 days old, and girls and boys leaving for the first time to university where they will be far from home.”
Jones added that the program has also been conducted in seniors residences when there is a concern that seniors are wandering without identification.
“The same benefits are there,” Jones said. “Everything you need to identify the person is all in one place.”
Jones said the Masons of Ontario sponsor the program and were contacted to conduct the Fergus clinic.
The equipment and volunteers were brought in for the betterment of the community, he said. For more information see the website at www.masonichip.ca.
