Thousands of children will be reported missing in this country this year. Child abduction is a tragedy. It devastates family members. It touches all of us. Please carefully read the following information on ways to help keep your child safe.

As Parents, You Should:

• Teach your child a stranger is anyone they do not know.
  
  
• Establish strict procedures for picking up your child at school.
  
  
• Remind your child of your personally-selected secret password and tell him/her never to go with anyone who does not know the password.
  
  
• Teach your child his/her full name, your full name, address, and telephone number. Teach him/her how to reach either you or a trusted adult and how to call for police assistance. Make sure your child knows how to make a local and long distance telephone call. If a child calls 9-1-1, we will have the address where he/she is calling from. If your child is at a pay phone, he/she will not have to use money.
  
  
• Listen attentively if your child talks about anyone they encounter in your absence. Advise the school of any suspicious circumstances, so they can advise authorities.
  
  
• Have photographs of your child taken four times a year. Make note of birthmarks and other distinguishing features.
  
  
• It is important to have DNA samples available to give to the Police Department should your child be discovered missing. For information on making your own DNA kit, click here.
  
  
• Fingerprinting your child is also important. If you would like your child fingerprinted, contact the Stockton Police Department's Community Services Section at
  (209) 937-8208.