Innovative technology to help protect victims of stalking and domestic abuse is to be rolled out across Derbyshire and Derby City thanks to the back up of Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner.
Following a successful pilot in Chesterfield and Erewash, the Commissioner has agreed to roll out SmartWater technology force-wide from this month.
SmartWater is a type of forensic liquid that is invisible to the naked eye but glows fluorescent yellow under ultraviolet lamps. SmartWater shows up on skin for up to six weeks and on clothing for much longer.
It categorically links the perpetrator to the specific batch of SmartWater that was used on places such as door handles, gates, and automatic traps that spray the liquid if someone approaches the house.
Since October, Derbyshire Constabulary has provided high-risk victims of abuse in Chesterfield and Erewash a home protection kit and a cannister of SmartWater which can be sprayed on the perpetrator if they are approached.
Following the success of the scheme, the Commissioner has agreed to roll out the project across the county as part of her commitment to increasing the safety of victims of domestic abuse.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "Reducing the risk of domestic abuse and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice for their crimes are key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
"One of the challenges for police forces nationally is increasing confidence and trust in the criminal justice system so that more victims come forward to report these crimes. I want to reassure every victim of domestic abuse or stalking in Derbyshire that these crimes are being treated seriously and all efforts are being invested in preventing them from happening again in the future.
"SmartWater has the potential to save significant police time and resources and deter violence. I will continue to monitor this programme closely to understand the benefits of SmartWater as part of a suite of tools to keep victims safe."
Detective Chief Inspector Darren Pope, force lead for domestic abuse and stalking, said: "When SmartWater was trialled as a deterrent in West Yorkshire, 60% of the victims who took part reported a decrease in repeat incidents. In addition, 73% reported no further perpetrator contact and 74% reported more trust in the police.
"It's fantastic to see that the use of SmartWater has offered victims of domestic abuse and stalking some reassurance and helped to make them feel safer, as well as deterring perpetrators.
"I'm hoping for similar results here in Derbyshire and look forward to being able to roll out SmartWater across the county.
"I would like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for her belief in this project, and for providing us with the funding to extend the project to the whole of the county, giving us the opportunity to protect more victims of domestic abuse in Derbyshire."
West Yorkshire Police secured the first conviction using the forensic marking system last year when a man was jailed after breaching a non-molestation order.