Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch today launched a new crime fighting initiative that will target property offenders and provide valuable assistance to citizens. Today's launch of SelectDNA, an artificial DNA identification system, marks the initial launch of this program in the nation. 

Chief Rausch said the department has partnered with SelectDNA to help fight property crime in Knoxville. SelectDNA has developed a hi-tech forensic marking liquid that is used to mark and identify personal property. The clear liquid contains a unique DNA code that can be easily applied to nearly any personal property. If the property is stolen and recovered by police, the DNA will allow officers to trace the items back to the rightful owner. This state-of-the-art property marking product has already been responsible for major reductions of property crime in several European countries. 

Chief Rausch said, "The DNA code embedded in the clear liquid will provide immediate forensic proof of where an item was stolen from, thus allowing the property to be returned to the victim while providing valuable evidence to prosecute the offender." 

In addition to the artificial DNA liquid, homeowners will also be able to display warning stickers and a sign indicating their property is protected under the DNA marking program. 

Warning signs similar to current Neighborhood Watch signs will be erected to warn potential thieves that the neighborhood is participating in the SelectDNA program. 

Chief Rausch said, "We have been impressed with the results from European communities already utilizing this technology. Some communities have seen property crime decrease anywhere from 50 to 85 percent. One mixed development neighborhood consisting of 200 businesses and residences in Lancashire County, UK, began marking their property with SelectDNA in 2007. The results are an astounding 100 percent decrease in property crime." 

The South Woodlawn Pike Neighborhood Association and Old North Knoxville neighborhoods will participate in the initial launch of SelectDNA. The department will closely monitor property crimes in these neighborhoods while the program continues to develop and expand into additional communities.