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Free Program Records Children's Vital Statistics

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By MIKE WELLS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

When a child goes missing, every second counts when it comes to getting out a description and photo to the public.

That's why the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is helping parents through a new program, Operation Safe Return, on Friday at the Florida State Fairgrounds, spokesman J.D. Callaway said.

Deputies will give participating families free computer USB port flash drives uploaded with vital information about their children. The event will be held in the Ford Amphitheatre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deputies will photograph the children and enter the information onto the drives.

It's important for parents to keep the flash drives secure because none of the photos or information will be kept on file by the sheriff's office, Callaway said.

An outside vendor created a custom program for the drives. In addition to a basic physical description, parents can list children's scars or birthmarks and medical conditions, such as allergies or prescription medications.

The data can be updated at any time to reflect changes in the child's appearance, address, or other information.

The software also allows parents to print a "missing" poster of a child.

For information, call the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8000.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib.com.

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