Next of Kin cards available at all Canberra police stations
ACT Policing is unveiling ‘Next of Kin’ cards for the Canberra community.
This initiative was developed to support our officers' response to incidents involving elderly and vulnerable members of the community who at times are unable to provide Next of Kin information.
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.
Next of Kin cards are designed for use by the elderly and people with a disability.
The cards are designed to be placed in purses or wallets and have space for people to fill in:
- The holder’s name
- Their date of birth
- Nominated Next of Kin contact details
Importantly, the information is only written on the card, no personal information is held by ACT Policing.
Sergeant Ben Willis from the Community Engagement Team said there has been an increase in situations where officers have been unable to identify someone quickly.
“These cards are incredibly useful for our aging population. They’re small enough to fit into the back of a phone, a vehicle console or wallet."
“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 visit any ACT police station and collect free Next of Kin cards from the front office.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au