Navajo police offer tips for keeping children safe in fair crowds

The Navajo Police Department is asking families at the Navajo Nation Fair to take a full-length picture of their child as they enter and to report a missing child immediately.

The department posted the tips ahead of Kids Day, which is Sept. 9. It suggests pointing out law enforcement officers, security personnel and fair employees so a child knows who to approach if separated, and reminding children never to leave the fairgrounds or go into a parking area with anyone other than a parent or guardian. Keep young children within sight, especially in crowded areas and near rides.

A current photo of the child's outfit, hairstyle and shoes may be the one police need to distribute to officers or fair staff if the child is lost, the department said. In panicked situations, people forget details like what their child was wearing that day.

For Kids Day, the department encouraged teachers and parents to give each child a name tag or card with their name, school name and an emergency number. If a child goes missing, notify law enforcement, security or fair staff right away, with the child's name, age, clothing description, a current photograph and where they were last seen.