RedWeb Security Group is a designer and manufacturer of robust evidential security systems which support our proprietary owned tagging technologies. All our security products are police approved and accredited by Secured by Design, an initiative which ensures that security equipment meets police standards. This gives users of our products added assurance that they are safe and effective in deterring and detecting crime.
We are the creators of the world’s first biosynthetic redDNA™ forensic alarm system, proven to deter crime, each system provides a robust evidential chain which can help secure convictions, making them the ultimate crime deterrent. The same protocols and innovation has been applied to our RedWeb Extreme Trackers division where our tracking system, the software and electronic devices for assets and loan worker scenarios are the first to be police approved and accredited.
We are proud to have our security solutions widely distributed and used by police forces, public authorities and major blue chip companies to Deter; Detect and Defend against crime. Clive Smith, Chairman 
The What And The Why:
- OffenderID is a personal spray system, designed to mark offenders at the scene of an incident.
- A system to irrefutably link a criminal to a crime scene.
- Fully accredited through Association of Chief Police Officers (Secured by Design).
- Through the backing of a robust and independently verified evidential chain OffenderID turns a criminal into a crime scene.
Why use Offender ID?
- To prevent assaults upon staff and others
- To mark an offender (disorder or fleeing subject)
- The prevention and detection of crime
- To keep personnel safe in the work environment.
- Increase trust and confidence from the public in those entrusted to Police duties
- Turn not guilty cases to guilty.
- Increase the opportunity for further independent witness evidence by overtly marking an offender.
- Dries within thirty seconds to reduce cross contamination of evidence.
- Crime prevention through appropriate media strategy.
- Removes the requirement for immediate detention, perfect for the leisure remit to prevent confrontation.
How does OffenderID work?
OffenderID works on three levels of detection. The spray RedDNA contains three elements to irrefutably link the offender to a crime scene;
Red Dye -- a highly conspicuous bright red dye. This will take in the region of 30 washes to be removed from the skin. This forces a subject to change their patterns and therefore their offending behaviour. The bright red colour makes the subject extremely visible thereby increasing the likelihood of witness statements and making them an easier subject to identify.
Ultra Violet -- the UV sinks into the skin, invisible to the eye but when flashed under an ultraviolet torch the offender will glow red. The UV will remain on the skin, dependent upon the natural exfoliation, for a period of over fourteen days. Readings have been taken up to two months after exposure. Hertfordshire’s custody areas already regularly scan an offender for UV traces.
Bio Synthetic DNA -- the third level is the yeast based DNA, that also sinks into the skin of the subject. Every application of Redweb product that utilises RedDNA has an entirely different DNA strand, meaning a code is never replicated. This maintains the integrity of the evidence. This ensures that a marked offender is undeniably linked to the scene of a crime.
The Use of Force and Offender ID
The usage of the OffenderID must be treated as a use of force by the person deploying the canister. This is no different than the physical detention of an individual. This means its deployment must be justified, meeting the criteria of being reasonable, necessary and proportionate. Use of force is recognised through common law, s. 3 Criminal Law Act 1967 and s. 117 PACE 1984.
Case law from R v Beckford [1988] AC 130 recognises the ability to use a pre-emptive strike.
OffenderID has been rigorously tested to achieve its ACPO-CPI status. It contains nothing noxious and thus does not fall under s. 5 (1) (b) Firearms Act 1968 legislation. Due to the safe nature of the product, its deployment as a use of force is low on the continuum. This is a ACPO approved and verified product. The spray has a range of up to 15’, thereby allowing the user a safe reactionary gap.
How do the Police obtain the DNA code?
When a subject is highlighted as potentially having been DNA tagged (e.g. custody), standard Police procedure will be for swabs and/or clothing to be taken from the subject. These swabs are sent to a secure, independent forensic laboratory in Wales where the DNA code is obtained. Redweb security pay for this meaning there is no outlay for the first examination for RedDNA. This makes the process more accessible for the Police, who may not otherwise justify the financial outlay for forensic examination in what can be low level crime.
Staffordshire Police, (North Staffs) use Redweb products and have a good working understanding of the effects and principles of the products. This should add reassurance to staff that any activation is dealt with promptly and professionally. There are UV lights set up in the custody area for detecting the presence of UV on an offender.
There are strict protocols concerning the deployment of RedDNA canisters. Each canister MUST be registered to maintain its integrity.
What is the training?
The training is a 3 hour course which authorises the user to carry and deploy this equipment. It will cover how to correctly identify the circumstances of when and when not to spray OffenderID, explain the relevant laws regarding its use, the importance of justification and reporting and learn different types of deployment techniques
Case Study
On 26th December 2008 in Crewe, Cheshire a drunken male became abusive at the entrance to a nightclub in the town having been ejected, and was being refused re-entry back into the venue. At the front doors were two door supervisors, only one of whom had undertaken the offender ID training and was carrying the equipment.
The situation escalated as the male became increasingly abusive and began threatening violence to both door staff and the surrounding public. The male subsequently assaulted one of the door staff. Fearing for his own and others safety the door supervisor gave an appropriate warning and deployed the offender ID, liberally coating him with the red dye. The male immediately deceased from his violent actions and ran from the scene.
Within minutes local Police officers attended, and following a description of the offender (coloured red) an area search was conducted. Within ten minutes of leaving the scene officers found the same male, covered in the red dye and arrested him. As a result of the evidence obtained and directly through the use of OffenderID the male was kept in custody and appeared before Magistrates in the town on 29th December. At court the male entered an early guilty plea, and was sentenced to sixty six days imprisonment for the common assault on the door supervisor and a number of unrelated matters.
The door supervisor had no doubt that this successful conclusion was down to the deployment of the OffenderID spray, which not only led to the situation being defused but to the subsequent imprisonment of the male, without the need for a costly or time consuming trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many times can I use the canister?
A. Only once, following deployment the canister must be retained and exhibited. To use the canister again could negate the irrefutable link between the suspect and the crime scene.
Q. What distance can the spray be used from?
A. Up to 15’. This allows the user to have a safe reactionary gap.
Q. How long does the RedDNA stay on clothes?
A. This will depend upon the number of washes; however RedDNA has been recovered from clothing washed numerous times. Because there is no natural exfoliation of clothing the time span is increased. The red dye and UV will wash out, the DNA code is infinite.
Q. Who can use the spray?
A. Any registered security professional, the Police, PCSO’s and community wardens. All must undertake the requisite accredited training to be authorised to carry and use the spray system.
Q. How is the equipment carried?
A. On a belt holder, meaning it is secure.
Q. Who takes the training?
A. There are eleven regional training venues, however due to the number of staff requiring training the provider will attend your own location to undertake the course. There will not be any additional charge for this.
Q. What size is the canister?
A. 60ml.
Q. How long is the shelf life of a canister?
A. The RedDNA will not degrade inside the canister; however because of the propellant used (which will) it is recommended that canisters are changed on a yearly basis.
Q. Is the RedDNA flammable?
A. No, the propellant is however. As with any propellant care should be used around naked flames.
Q. Is the product compliant with any British Standards?
A. Yes – BS6800:1986
Q. Will spraying someone not aggravate a situation?
A. through the use of the training covering when to spray and the appropriate warnings given, it has been found to defuse rather than aggravate a situation.
Train for a new career with Belfry Security Alliance
Belfry Security Alliance have an unequalled track record for SIA licence accredited training. To find out more, email us at security@belfrygroup.co.uk. Alternatively Freephone 0800 917 1355 for an informal chat, and book your placement on our next SIA accredited training courses.
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