PSP has allocated more than half a million location bracelets and increased the age limit to 15 years

Since 2012, more than half a million bracelets have been awarded from the Minor Tracker program, with nearly 58,000 in 2023, according to the PSP, which will extend the eligibility age for this device to 15 years.

Since its inception in 2012, the “I’m Here! Children has distributed more than 540,500 bracelets, including 57,927 in 2023 and 2,717 this year, PSP data released in a statement today showed.

In 12 years, the PSP program has already facilitated the rapid reunification of 53 children whose whereabouts were currently unknown with their families, and this year facilitated the “reunification of an autistic child and his mother.”

Next Wednesday morning, PSP presents the Isso Aqui edition! 2024! Children at an event at Escola Básica no. 1 de Telheiras in Lisbon.

According to PSP, the initiative involves the participation of approximately three hundred children from preschool to primary school, the presence of PSP mascot Falco, a performance by the PSP musical orchestra and other activities.

“The main news for the 2024 edition is the expansion of the age range of children covered by this program”, which will now “target children aged 2 to 15 years (not just under 10 years old) and have a unique alphanumeric code, not related to personal data.”

“I’m here! Children” is an exclusive and innovative program of the Public Security Police, created in partnership with MEO, the General Secretariat of the Ministry of the Interior, Commercial Radio, Missing Children in Europe, the Institute for Child Support and the General Directorate of Schools. .

Its main goal is to speed up the work to identify the missing child and facilitate his speedy return to his family.

“If a child wearing a bracelet is lost, any adult who finds them simply needs to contact PSP on the national emergency number (112) and tell them where they are and what bracelet code the child has,” PSP explains. .

Following this contact, the Public Security Police will immediately make every effort to ensure the safety of the child, inform the family and ensure family reunification.

Membership in I’m Here! Children” does not require any costs, and the bracelet is valid until the end of the calendar year in which it was purchased.

The wristbands are valid throughout the country and can be requested for both children living in Portugal and non-residents such as children traveling on holiday.

Bracelets must be ordered through the “I’m Here!” program website. Children”, whose address is: https://estouaqui.mai.gov.pt/Pages/Home.htm.

The Platform is operated solely by PSP and personal information is used solely in the context of the Program.

PSP encourages parents or caregivers to explain to their child that if they become disoriented and do not recognize anyone around them, they should remain where they are.

“If you see a police officer, you should immediately approach them and ask for help,” he recommends, stressing that “if someone approaches a child, they should know they can show their bracelet” and ask them to call 112 and indicate the alphanumeric code that is written there.

If the bracelet is lost or damaged, or if the alphanumeric code becomes illegible, parents or guardians can request a replacement on the program’s official website, PSP said.