Mounties fingerprint over 160 kids at Kidz Printz event
By David F. Rooney
When they woke up Saturday morning, local Mounties and auxiliary constables running that day’s Kidz Printz event had no idea how many parents would bring their childrenout to get fingerprinted, photographed and DNA-sampled.
But they quickly found out that the event was very popular. When they arrived at the Community Centre at 11 a.m. on Saturday there was already a lineup and by day’s end more than 160 kids had been fingerprinted, had their DNA sampled and their mugshots taken, with the welcome assistance of members of the CPR’s Operation Lifesaver.
Here are some shots from the Kidz Printz event:
What can you say about an event where the kids are greeted by Safety Bear? Obviously, youngsters love the rolly-polly mascot. David F. RooneyBut Kidz Printz, while there were elements of fun, ultimately had a serious purpose, helping keep kids safe. Here, Auxiliary Constable Paul Carter takes Ava Lund's fingerprints. David F. Rooney photoAuxiliary Constables Eric Scarcella and Joe Marcoffio watch as Carter finishes Ava Lund's fingerprints. And those were just the first part of the process. David F. Rooney photoOpen wide! Ava Lund peers sideways at a photographer as RCMP Const. Eric Page takes her DNA sample with a swab. All of the data gathered at the event was entered into booklets that were given to parents for safekeeping. The Mounties kept nothing for themselves. David F. Rooney photoAnd then there was a photo shoot by Cpl. Doug Morris. David F. Rooney photoWhile Cpl. Morris was mainly focused on taking the kids' photos, from time to time Safety Bear prevailed upon him for his own portrait. David F. Rooney photoMore than 160 children were fingerprinted, photographed and DNA-sampled at the Kidz Printz event at the Community Centre. "We had no idea how many people would come," Carter said. Apparently there was a lineup waiting when the event began at 11 am on Saturday. David F. Rooney photo
