LTC 110-2005 Free Child Safety Program - DNA Lifeprint Kits
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 110-2005
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From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez \r~
City Manager 0 U
FREE CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM - DNA LlFEPRINT KITS
Date: April 29, 2005
To:
Subject:
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This Letter to the City Commission is to provide information about a Free Chil~airltY ~
Program at South Pointe Elementary School, 1050 4th Street, on Wednesday ~ ~t
10:00 a.m. "'Ii
The safety program is designed to promote awareness and education for parents and
children in an effort to protect children against violence. The goal is to provide DNA
LifePrint Kits to every child in our elementary school feeder pattern. This program which
will distribute over 5,000 kits is being sponsored by the Miami Beach Police Department,
the MBPD Police Athletic League, Miami Beach Community Health Center, Bal Harbour
Police Department, Southern Wine and Spirits, and United Automobile Insurance
Company.
The kit is completely non-invasive; meaning no blood is taken or handled. The procedure
simply involves rubbing the inside of the child's cheek for several seconds with the
applicator in the kit. The applicator is then inserted into a fixative solution, contained in the
vial and the child's DNA is captured and will be preserved for more than 80 years.
This program is endorsed by Child Advocate and Crime Fighter John Walsh. Studies have
shown that unless fingerprints are taken by a trained technician; they are notoriously
unreliable as a means of identification whereas DNA samples are a much more viable
option. FBI Officials advise having a DNA sample ready to go can greatly help an
investigation.
The DNA kit is given directly to the parents. There is no data base being established. The
Kit contains detailed instructions on how to use the DNA kit. Parents are encouraged to
take the DNA sample in the privacy of their own home. Parents will also be given John
Walsh's Child Safety Tips and comprehensive brochure.
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F:\POLI\ADMI\$CHI\2005\L TC DNA Ufeprint Kits.doc