July 20, 2011 - The Houston Police Department and six of the largest retailers in Houston announced today (July 20) formation of the "Summer Child Safety Campaign," aimed at helping keep youngsters safe during the remainder of the summer months.

Five retailers comprising the Greater Houston Loss Prevention Alliance (GHLPA) - H-E-B, Kroger, Fiesta, Walmart, and Target - joined HPD officers at the announcement at the H-E-B store at 9710 Katy Freeway at Bunker Hill.

As part of the campaign, HPD officers will meet with shoppers on selected weekend dates throughout the summer and distribute free child fingerprinting cards and ink pads to parents who can keep the cards in a secure place and give them to police should a child need to be reported missing.  Officers will also discuss with shoppers tips aimed at avoiding child tragedies in swimming pools and locked vehicles during the sweltering, summer months.

HPD Senior Police Officer James Sobota shared somber news on how important it is for parents to have their children's fingerprints and hair samples on file should they be needed by law enforcement.  "According to the 'Vanished Children Alliance,' every 40 seconds, a child disappears or is kidnapped in the United States," Officer Sobota said.  "Our message is: know where your children are at all times."

Photos from today's announcement are attached to this news release.  In the first photo, HPD Senior Police Officer Christopher Engelhardt fingerprints youngsters at today's kickoff event.  The other photo is of a child fingerprinting card.

JFC/VHS   7-20-11