Gun Shoots Criminals With DNA Tags, Marking Them For Later Arrest

[Fire Walk With Me]

via NYOccupy

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-01/new-dna-gun-shoots-criminals-genetic-tags-marking-them-later-arrest

Riots are a tough nut for law enforcement in part because of the sheer number of people involved--it’s impossible to stop and arrest every person involved in a skirmish. That’s why cops have some pretty high-tech methods for catching suspects, from facial recognition software to debilitating sonic cannons. But none is as bizarre as this new DNA gun from a UK security firm.

The SelectaDNA High Velocity System works like it sounds--it shoots people with pellets containing a unique DNA fingerprint. Unlike rubber-pellet guns, Tasers or tear gas canisters, the technology does not deter or disable the suspect--he or she can get away seemingly unscathed. But later, authorities can track down the suspect and arrest him or her “at a less confrontational time for officers,” according to the company. Portable readers equipped with ultraviolet light scanners would be able to verify the synthetic DNA.

The pellets come in rifle or pistol form, containing 14 pellets per container. All pellets in a pack have the same DNA code. That means you could tag a lot of people at one event, but you couldn’t necessarily single him or her out in the crowd--so it would still be hard to tell who may have incited a riot, rather than just taken part.

(More at the link.)

[lunatica]

1. Big Brother creeps ever closer...

It's pretty breathtaking how many surveillance weapons are being developed to use against Americans in our own country. As far as I know most of our protest activity is peaceful and there haven't been riots in the streets for decades. At least not any that weren't started by the police goons.

Maybe they know something we don't.

[limpyhobbler]

2. Yes and many of the new tools are being developed with taxpayer money.

Through funding from the government to contractors or to universities. But yet somehow I doubt the American people would really approve of most of it if it really came up for a vote. So much of it is being driven just by the desire to keep that money flowing.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

3. Leave to the UK to come up with this one.

Wonder what tweeking will be done to the Bill of Rights this time.

[antiquie]

4. NBC link to SelectaDNA High Velocity System

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/futureoftech/dna-bullets-tag-criminals-later-arrest-1C8103588

The SelectaDNA High Velocity System may be particularly useful in situations where security personnel are unable to safely apprehend suspects, such as during riots — assuming the cop has good aim.

The bullets evolved from the company’s DNA Spray, launched in 2008. It sprays suspects, and the spray in turn triggers special alarms in businesses, such as jewelry stores and gas stations. The DNA remains on offenders for weeks.