reply to post by KTK
These are very valid questions. If you are familiar with Amber Alert, you may realize it is a system police may use to distribute through media and
other outlets the descriptions of missing children. It can only be used in cases where there is evidence or reasons to believe the child is in
immediate danger, and there is specific requirements as to the minimum content and quality of information for Amber Alert to be activated. Most items
in the kit may be available through the police investigation, but would take some time to gather. I am only aware of one study where the average time
it took to obtain the required information to activate Amber Alert was found to be 12 hours (Missouri). If you can accept that in these cases where
the child is likely to be in immediate danger, time is critical. Missouri State Police used a CD provided by MOCHIP as a comparison, and in less then
2 minutes, Amber Alert was able to be activated. Providing Law Enforcement a tool that could allow them to circulate the child's descriptors to
other agencies and the media would also speed up the location and safe return of all missing children more often and in a shorter time then using the
precious time at the start of the investigation gathering data.
The reason all these items are compiled and included in the kit is so Masons can provide a complete and comprehensive kit to parents, so in a
stressful time, they only have to turn it over to police.
It is true that DNA samples and fingerprints may most often be used to identify dead bodies. This closure for families is also important, but not the
main reason Masons feel this is worth the investment of their time and money. Masons believe that this kit may save children's lives (there are
documented cases in Missouri and New York).


