Masons get new tech for child IDs
By Carlos E. Medina
Correspondent
The Masons have offered free child identification material to Florida parents for more than 20 years. On Saturday, the organization will roll out the latest version of the child ID program, which includes digital technology and is hoped will make the process more efficient and include more complete information.
The 15th Masonic District, which encompasses Marion County's seven Masonic lodges, has three new machines that can incorporate still pictures of the child, a video, digital fingerprints and other specific information on one CD.
"The difference is like night and day as far as I'm concerned," said Kenneth Shaw, chairman of the district's child identification program.
The free service will be available Saturday at the Wachovia Bank at 2001 SW 17th St. from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
When the program started, it included ink fingerprints and photos, but as technology advanced the program grew to include video on VHS format and later compact discs. The local program was using cameras with integrated smaller format compact discs to capture photos and video, but fingerprints and other information was not on the same format.
"We hope that it is never used, but if something were to happen, you could just hand this one CD to police officers and they could load it right on their laptops in their patrol cars," Shaw said. "The first 24 hours are the most important when a child goes missing. You don't want to spend hours looking for a photo and other information. Parents are so devastated when something like this happens they can forget birthmarks or even eye color."
Shaw hopes the new technology will spur more people to participate in the program. He is always looking for events where they can offer the identifications.
"I will go anywhere to offer this service. I'll even go to birthday parties," he said.
The program can also work for adults with dementia, Alzheimer's or other conditions that restrict communication.
"Having a loved one's information readily available can be a lifesaver. I've done whole families before," Shaw said.
None of the information given during the process is stored by the Masons.
"It's completely private. The only thing we retain is the permission slip that is filled out. Once the information is burned onto the CD, the system dumps the data and it is purged. The only copy goes with the parent," he said.
Shaw said anyone who would like to have the system brought to their event can schedule it with them free of charge.
"We are funded through contributions. We were able to get the new systems from a private contribution and matching funds from another organization," he said.
For information about the Masons' child identification program call Shaw at 732-7316.
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