NILES — The Niles Police Department and Michigan State Police Niles Post have collaborated on a statewide program for community members and visitors.

In Michigan, MCL 722.774 and MCL 28.274 allow a parent/legal guardian/power of attorney of an individual with special needs to voluntarily provide the Vulnerable or Impaired Person’s fingerprints and photograph for inclusion in a State of Michigan repository that can be used to assist in identifying the VIP should he/she become lost in the future or find him/herself in a situation in which he/she cannot identify him/herself. This is not only for residents of Michigan, but people visiting Michigan are encouraged to participate as well.

Fingerprints are captured electronically using a system known as Live Scan. Live Scan is a device that captures fingerprints by placing them on a lighted glass screen. The Live Scan device at the Niles Law Enforcement Complex has the capability to capture a photograph as well. A VIP’s fingerprints and photograph (if captured) are stored along with additional demographic information, including the home address of the VIP and a contact person, email address, and phone number for the person legally responsible for the VIP.

Once enrolled in the VIP program, law enforcement has the ability to utilize a Live Scan device or mobile fingerprint scanner to access the information to quickly identify a VIP who may have trouble identifying him/herself. The goal of the VIP program is to return VIPs to familiar, safe environments, while maintaining their dignity.

For a limited time, a statewide donation has been made to provide this as a free service.  After the donation has been exhausted, the cost is a one-time fee of $30.  Anyone interested in taking advantage of this opportunity can reach out the Niles Police Department (269) 683-1313 or the Michigan State Police Niles Post (269) 683-4411 to arrange a date and time for the fingerprints and photograph to be taken.

Frequently families with VIP’s cannot afford to pay for the registration fees because of exhaustive medical expenses.  Any person or company wishing to donate locally to this cause can contact Captain Kevin Kosten of the Niles Police Department at (269) 683-1313.