A NEW Next of Kin card designed for elderly and vulnerable Canberrans will be available from today (September 7) in all ACT police stations.
The cards are designed to help police to respond to incidents involving elderly and vulnerable members of the community who at times are unable to provide next of kin information.
The cards can be placed in purses or wallets and have space for people to fill in the holder’s name, their date of birth and their nominated next of kin contact details
The information is only written on the card and no personal information is held by police.
ACT Policing recognises a next of kin as a person’s spouse, domestic partner or closest living blood relative who is over 18 years of age.
Sergeant Ben Willis said there has been an increase in situations where officers have been unable to identify someone quickly.
“These cards are incredibly useful for our ageing population. They’re small enough to fit into the back of a phone, a vehicle console or wallet,” he said.
“We need to find new and innovative ways to support families and assist police officers faster in finding individuals in the event of a missing person or casualty.”
Canberrans can now walk into any ACT police station and collect free next of kin cards from the front office.
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