"You Steal, You’re Marked"

Posted by Doug Pet October 21, 2010
Biopolitical Times
The New York Times picked up a story this week that is a bit of head-scratcher. Security systems in fast food chains, jewelry stores and other outfits in the Netherlands are using synthetic DNA "spray" to mark and later identify burglars.

The idea is that during the course of a robbery, employees would secretly activate a mechanism that releases a fine, barely noticeable spray, which will cover anyone in its vicinity. The mist contains location-specific synthetic DNA, which is visible only under ultraviolet light and can be used later to match a "marked" suspect to the targeted business.

Though no arrests have yet been made based on the synthetic DNA markers, industry reps and business owners are optimistic about its effectiveness as a crime deterrent. Decorating the entrances of 'DNA-protected' businesses are conspicuous warning signs, including one placard outside of a Dutch MacDonald's that reads: "You Steal, You're Marked."

One distributor told the Times that DNA-based security has great preventative potential due to public ignorance about DNA.

"No one really knows what it is," he said. "No one really knows how it works."

People are entranced by DNA's "mystique," he said, and they are unquestioningly ready to accept it as the inescapable smoking gun of modern forensics.

Aside from this story's general peculiarity (buildings now have their own DNA?), it should encourage us to take a closer look at modern applications of DNA forensics in general. Widespread misconceptions that DNA is both neutral and an infallible identifier mean that the technology is ripe for abuse. Disconcerting agendas to greatly expand DNA databases, collect DNA from arrestees before trial or conviction, and allow unsanctioned familial DNA searching are among the applications of forensics DNA that are particularly unsettling.

As these and other controversies evolve, we would be wise to keep a close eye on ways in which forensic DNA techniques can threaten civil liberties, privacy and racial equality in the justice system.

Previously on Biopolitical Times: