Video Identification Program

The Beginning

In 1994, the Parkersburg Police Department initiated the Video ID Program.

The program used department personnel and video equipment to video tape local children for identification purposes. The program was used in 1994 at several safety fairs, Parkersburg's Safetytown, and for several church groups.

Now an Ongoing Effort

Word of the program spread, and the next year it was adopted by several Parent Teacher Organizations. Entire schools were video taped. School staff and PTO members were trained by the police department personnel. Now the schools regularly video tape the students using equipment purchased by their PTO's.

The video tapes are given to the parents to maintain should they be needed for identification purposes.