Photo: afp.gov.au

The app, launched in 2012, is a joint initiative between the AFP and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and provides a centralised way of recording all the information police need in a missing persons case. This allows parents and carers to file a report quickly in the event that their child goes missing.

The app has recently been refreshed to better suit iOS and Android devices, and now includes a handy six-monthly reminder to users to ensure a child’s information and photos are current.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Debbie Platz, National Manager Crime Operations, said the start of a new school year is a good time for parents to take new photos of their kids.

“We often feel our children grow up too fast - and this is especially true with how much they can change between the photos you take,” Assistant Commissioner Platz said.

“Having up-to-date information stored in a centralised place like the Police Child ID app means families can quickly and easily file a missing persons report, in the devastating event that a child goes missing. This means police can be on the case even quicker.”

Parents and carers who are yet to download the app can do so on all iOS and Android devices from the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores.

For more information on missing persons, you can visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.