FORENSIC SPRAY ‘SMARTWATER’ IS HELPING UK POLICE TO KEEP WOMEN SAFE

Sat 19 February 2022:

In an effort to keep women safe, the UK police are experimenting with new technology. They’re using SmartWater, a forensic liquid that only glows in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet light.

According to a BBC report, this forensic liquid can stay on the skin for up to six weeks, allowing authorities to link the perpetrator to the specific batch of water sprayed. On clothing, it lasts much longer.

This was useful in arresting the first person in the UK for domestic abuse.

Over 200 women in the UK have had forensic deterrent packages delivered to their homes. A hand-held canister for spraying and a gel for door handles and gates are included in these packages. It also has an automatic trap that sprays the liquid when someone comes close to the house.

These packages are now being used by West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Staffordshire Police.

Detective Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police Lee Berry came up with this idea. While speaking to BBC, she said, “Domestic abuse is quite often difficult to prosecute and a lot of these crimes occur behind closed doors. It can be one word against another. If we forensically mark, then we can track someone back to a location. We’ll know who the perpetrator is, and we’ll know who the victim is, as well.”

Most victims, who have been using this technology, have told the police that they feel safer. Also, 94 per cent of people said that they would recommend it to others.

Earlier, SmartWater was used to protect property and deter thieves by being applied to high-value items.

As per Rachael Oakley, the director of SmartWater’s intelligence unit, there is no doubt when it comes to using forensic markings.

This new tool was used to apprehend a man from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. He was harassing his ex-girlfriend and breaking the terms of his no-molestation agreement.

It happened when he tried to break into the house and she used a canister to spray the coded liquid from the safety of her window. This forensically placed him at the crime scene, and he was apprehended.

He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison. He’s also been served with a two-year restraining order.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent