COLUMBIA, SC - You’re shopping at the mall with your children when one of them suddenly disappears. A quick search of the nearby area is unsuccessful. What do you do?

Now there’s a free new tool from the FBI that can help. Our recently launched Child ID app—the first mobile application created by the FBI, provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s literally right at hand if you need it. You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks.

The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child is missing.

Right now, the Child ID app is only available for use on iPhones and can only be downloaded for free from the App Store on iTunes. The FBI plans to expand this tool to other types of mobile devices in the near future. In the coming weeks and months, the FBI will add new features that will have the ability to upload other photos stored on your smart phone.

An important note: the FBI (and iTunes for that matter) is not collecting or storing any photos or information entered in the app. All data resides solely on your mobile device unless you need to send it to authorities. Please read your mobile provider’s terms and service for information about the security of applications stored on your device.

We encourage you to share the word about this app with family and friends, especially during upcoming activities in your communities to raise awareness on crime and drug prevention.

Put your child’s safety in your own hands. Download the FBI’s Child ID app today.

If you, or someone you know, have any information regarding any crime, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. You could earn a reward up to $1,000.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 554-1111, toll free at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or online at www.5541111.com. Texters can send anonymous tips to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with "TIPCSL". Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.