IDENTIFICATION DISCS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23361, 21 June 1941, Page 8

IDENTIFICATION DISCS

SUGGESTIONS BY POLICE SUPERINTENDENT

The desirability of all persons wearing means of identification, even though such pt move was not yet essential, was emphasised by Superintendent, S. Rawle, of the Christchurch Police Force, in an interview with “The Press” yesterday about law and order aspects of the Emergency Precautions Scheme.

“It would be of immense value to the interests of the community,” he said, “if all persons would make it their duty to nave about their persons some means of identification.”

There were several methods. A disc bearing name and address could be worn around the neck, a card could be carried in a side pocket, or a tailor’s tab could be fixed on an inside coat pocket. A small inscribed disc strapped on the wrist would also serve, or a wristlet watch on which the wearer’s name was engraved. With children, a tab bearing name and address and stitched on some article of clothing would be suitable.

Any of these steps, he said, would greatly assist the identification squad members in their duties in emergency. The need for such a precaution was noticeable in the Napier earthquake, and had it not been for the., care exercised by the, police more confusion might have resulted than was the case. If such suggestions were adopted confusion would be saved, and he might add that in Great Britain every person was required to register and to carry evidence of identification.

Asked about the possible use of fin-ger-prints, Superintendent Rawle said that he knew of no suggestion in this matter.