A New Approach to Family Safety
A retired detective from the Tustin Police Department has taken his experience in law enforcement and turned it into a powerful tool for families. Chuck Still, the founder of My Family ID, developed an app designed to help keep children and at-risk adults safe by providing critical information that can be accessed quickly in emergencies.
Still’s motivation came from his time working in investigations, where he dealt with numerous cases involving missing children. He recalls his first day as an investigator, when he had 66 open cases, many of which involved children who had gone missing or run away. He noticed that even when parents tried to help, the quality of the fingerprints they provided was often poor. Traditional methods, such as using ink cards, resulted in smudged prints that were not useful for identification.
“I still remember my first day when I got promoted to investigations. I had 66 open cases, and half of them were missing, runaway kids,” Still said. “We would fingerprint on these little ink cards, and they were just smears. We give it to the parents, and they take it home and put it in a drawer.”
This experience led him to think about a better way to store important biometric data. The result was My Family ID, an app that allows parents and caregivers to securely store digital fingerprints and 3D facial scans of their children or elderly loved ones with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
How the App Works
The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. Users can easily capture high-quality digital fingerprints and 3D face scans through their smartphones. These details are stored securely within the app, ensuring that they are available whenever needed.
In the event of an emergency, such as a missing child or an at-risk senior going missing, law enforcement can access this information quickly. “It’s on your phone, wherever you go. You were just on vacation, and it’s with you,” Still explained. “You don’t have to be with the police officer. You can send it to security, border patrol, or the sheriff’s department.”
This feature makes the app particularly valuable for families who travel frequently or live in areas where quick access to accurate identification is crucial.
Availability and Cost
My Family ID is available for both Android and iOS devices. The app requires a one-time fee of $4.99, making it an affordable option for families looking to enhance their safety measures.
Benefits of the App
- Quick Access: In an emergency, having biometric data readily available can save valuable time.
- Secure Storage: The app ensures that sensitive information is protected and only accessible to authorized personnel.
- Easy to Use: Parents and caregivers can easily capture and store data without needing specialized equipment.
- Widespread Use: The app can be shared with various law enforcement agencies, increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
For families concerned about the safety of their children or elderly relatives, My Family ID offers a modern solution that leverages technology to provide peace of mind. With its simple setup and affordable cost, it’s a tool that could make a significant difference in critical situations.
