The FBI has launched a new mobile application to help put the safety of children in the hands of their parents or guardians.
"You're shopping at the mall with your children when one of them suddenly disappears. A quick search of the nearby area is unsuccessful. What do you do?" reads a new FBI promotional ad for the application.
The new tool -- the first app ever created by the FBI -- provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about the user's children. According to the FBI, the intent is for the user to have the information immediately available in the event of an emergency.
"You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot," the bureau said in a press release. "Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily email the information to authorities with a few clicks."
In addition to storing a child's vital information, the app includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do immediately after a child goes missing.
The application is free and can be downloaded through iTunes by clicking here. According to the website, it is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.