Friday, September 12, 2003
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Friday, September 12, 2003 |
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Child identification kit with DNA sample offered by PTC police By JOHN
MUNFORD
The Peachtree City Police Department is offering a free child identification kit to parents which includes a way to save a sample of the child's DNA should it ever be needed in the future. The kit comes with a fingerprint card and a sterile swab that can be used to get the DNA sample from inside the child's cheeks, said police chief James Murray. The swab is then placed in a plastic bag and envelope and put into the freezer for safekeeping. Parents uncomfortable with the cheek swab technique will also be shown how to save several strands of their child's hair for DNA purposes, Murray said. Murray, who has received specialized training on missing children cases, said such incidents could occur in Peachtree City and the department wanted a way to provide the DNA service free of charge. "It's something they'll get with their tax dollars that they probably didn't think they'd get," Murray said, adding that the department will continue to fingerprint children for identification purposes free of charge. "You may never need it but if you have a child and you do need it, you'll have it," Murray said. The department has purchased 500 of the kits, which have been featured on TV commercials for about $20. The kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and will not be limited to just Peachtree City residents, Murray said. Officers are available between 8 am. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to fingerprint children. For more information, contact Lt. Rosanna Dove or Cpl. Heather Lackey at 770-487-8866.
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