DNA Sprays Hits New York City

Already widely used in the UK and other countries, the New York State Sheriff’s Association says it has introduced a ‘new tool’ that can help deter crime and help police identify criminals using synthetic forensic marking technology.

The tool is the DNA Intruder Spray that leaves a uniquely coded trail on a suspect’s skin and clothes at a crime scene. If a suspect is brought in by police, the DNA code from the spray can be matched to the scene. The spray is only visible under a special UV light and can stay on skin and clothes for weeks after a crime has occurred.

Sheriff Ernest Cutting, from the New York State Sheriffs Association, said: “Technology such as SelectaDNA enhances our ability to prevent more crime and aids the outcome of criminal investigations, especially those involving violent crime and theft.”

Truman Jewelers in Albany recently installed the system, becoming the first in upstate New York to use it. Owner Paul Crabbe said: “While we don’t have significant crime issues, we want to keep it that way,” he said. “It’s a great peace of mind.”