Gardai are urging smartphone users to download the most up to date version of the Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alert app.
The CRI alert was launched in 2012 to rapidly seek the public’s help in cases of child abduction, or where there's a genuine concern for a child’s safety.
Once certain strict criteria are satisfied, an alert is issued by a senior officer. The details are then released to the media to draw national attention.
In December 2013, Gardai launched the CRI alert smart phone app as an extra tool to help Gardai find abducted children.
Several agencies such as the NRA, the HSE and Iarnród Eireann also play a part, and there’s also an agreement with the PSNI in the north.
Members of the public play a huge part in the alert too, and they are often responsible for bringing these traumatic situations to a successful conclusion.
A test was launched this afternoon to remind those who have it to make sure they’ve the most recent version, and to urge those who don’t to download what could end up saving a child’s life somewhere down the line.
When you download and open the app, this is what you see.
When an alert is issued, you can view it in the app. There's also the option to post an alert on Facebook. As there is currently no child alert issued, the app is in test mode.
Users can also store their childrens details on the app. Should they ever find themselves in a situation where their child is missing, the details will be stored and ready to go.
