1Registered Office: 27 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9BU, United Kingdom. Registered No. 2875523 SmartWater Technology Limited is an ISO 9001, ISO 27001 & ISO/IEC 17025 accredited company.

® SmartWater, the SmartWater yellow and atom logo are trademarks of SmartWater Limited. SmartWater is a proprietary forensic asset marking System and Strategy protected by worldwide trademarks and patents.

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SmartWater Technology Limited, PO Box 136, Telford, TF3 3WY Tel: +44 (0)870 242 8899 Fax: +44 (0)870 242 4561

www.smartwater.com

THE CRIME FIGHTING COMPANY

SmartWater CSI Guidelines

For Police Officers and Crime Scene Investigators

Commercial in Confidence - Not to be Reproduced

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION……………………………………… 3

FORENSIC SPRAY SYSTEM………………………………… 4-5

FORENSIC CODING SOLUTION…………………………….. 6

TRANSFERABLE MARKER SOLUTIONS…………………... 5

CASH DEGRADATION DYES………………………………… 7-10

HIGH TEMPERATURE MARKER…………………………….. 10

SAMPLING………………………………………………………. 11-12

SUBSTANCES MISTAKEN FOR SMARTWATER………….. 13

SUBMISSION TO THE LABORATORIES…………………… 14

UV LIGHTING AND PHOTOGRAPHY……………………….. 15

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CSI GUIDELINES INTRODUCTIONThese CSI guidelines are designed to provide Police Staff with useful technical information for the identification, sampling and submission of SmartWater-marked items. They are intended for Police and Crime Scene Investigators guidance only and are not designed to replace existing force practice in relation to scene of crime procedures.

A significant number of criminals have now been convicted as a result of SmartWater and a degree of confusion and uncertainty about the capabilities of the products within the criminal fraternity helps to enhance its deterrent value. Consequently, the information in the CSI Guidelines is not for public disclosure to safeguard the “psychology” surrounding the product.

WHAT IS SMARTWATER?• A range of water and solvent based traceable liquids, each consisting of:

- A unique chemical code.

- A bright YELLOW / GREEN fluorescent marker which is ONLY visible under long wave (optimum wavelength 365 nm) ultraviolet (UV) light and is invisible to the naked eye in natural light.

- A polymer/glue.

• There are over 1 billion unique combinations available, achieved using 30 different rare metal components. No solution is manufactured more than once making each one unique and traceable. This links property to a victim and a criminal to a crime scene which has been proven in court.

• For SmartWater Forensic Coding Solution, only a small speck (~0.5mm2) is needed to achieve a positive identification.

• It is extremely robust and the first Forensic Coding System to achieve the British Standards Institute PAS820 Grade A External specification – Guaranteed for 5 years.

• SmartWater evidence is analysed at our laboratory in Telford using processes accredited to ISO 17025:2005, in accordance with the requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct. SmartWater analysis can be undertaken last in a sequence of different forensic processes including all fingerprint enhancement techniques as it is unaffected by many physical and chemical treatments.

There are five different SmartWater products that can be used for a wide range of applications.

• Forensic Spray System

• Forensic Coding Solution

• Covert transferable marker solutions

• Cash degradation dyes and glue

• High temperature marker.

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FORENSIC SPRAY SYSTEM• The SmartWater Forensic Spray System is an anti-burglary/anti-intruder device used by the Police and in a wide range

of corporate and commercial premises.

• Offenders are sprayed with a harmless liquid which links them to the scene of a crime.

• SmartWater Forensic Spray is invisible to the naked eye but will fluoresce bright YELLOW / GREEN under UV light.

• The solution may remain detectable on skin and hair for weeks and on clothing even longer. The persistence of the solution on suspects is dependent on a large number of factors including the degree and duration of exposure to the spray, the level of forensic awareness of the suspect, the suspect’s skin type (including use of creams and moisturisers) and the amount and vigour of washing or scrubbing of marked areas.

The spray pattern from a Forensic Spray activation is characteristic and can be used to differentiate between direct exposure to the spray and subsequent contact with a wet surface.

Suspect under natural light Suspect under UV showing spray pattern

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SCENE MANAGEMENT

• Once discharged, the Forensic Spray Solution will dry according to environmental conditions, but it is normally dry within an hour. Crime scenes MUST be allowed to dry before they are examined to avoid risk of possible cross contamination.

• Whilst it is still wet, Forensic Spray Solution is transferable, providing additional forensic opportunities e.g. handprints, footprints, fingerprints etc. Remember to check entry and exit points under UV light.

• Once dry, Forensic Spray Solution cannot be transferred.

• Use different personnel to examine the scene and suspects, in order to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.

• Handprints, fingerprints and footprints left at the scene should be photographed or videoed under both natural and UV light. This can then be used to support spray pattern analysis to help differentiate between direct exposure and subsequent contact with a wet surface.

• Samples from the scene itself may be taken if considered appropriate. Where possible, marked items or parts of items should be submitted for analysis (eg. carpets, furniture). If this is not possible (eg. walls, hard floors) then scrapings or swabs of the fluorescence may be taken accompanied by a control scrapings/swab from an unmarked area using SmartWater swabbing solution.

• The Forensic Spray canister must never be submitted for analysis with other exhibits due to the potential for cross contamination, but if considered appropriate may be retained as an exhibit.

Foot tread evidence under UV light Fingerprint evidence left under UV light

Please refer to pages 11 and 12 for information on sampling Forensic Spray solution from suspects and other items.

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FORENSIC CODING SOLUTION

• SmartWater Forensic Coding Solutions are used to mark items of property ranging from domestic/personal items (electronic equipment, jewellery, vehicles etc.) and commercial property such as lead roofing materials, cables, machinery etc.

• They are painted (or occasionally sprayed) onto surfaces, with the recommendation that they should be applied to uneven or irregular surfaces, such as indents, slots and grills.

• Under natural light the marks are colourless and may exhibit a slight sheen, however under UV light, the marked area will fluoresce bright YELLOW / GREEN in colour.

• It is almost impossible to remove once dried.

• Once dry the mark will not transfer to an individual. However if it is cut / forced / flexed / scraped etc. small fragments of the forensic marker can transfer to tools, clothing, surfaces etc.

• Some SmartWater Forensic Coding Solutions contain small particles, or microdots, around 0.5 mm in size. These are marked with a unique reference number which may be read under x 30 magnification.

SmartWater is not visible under natural light Yellow / green fluorescence under UV light

SmartWater-marked lead SmartWater-marked cable

Please refer to page 12 for information on sampling Forensic Coding solution from property.

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COVERT TRANSFERABLE MARKER SOLUTIONS

SmartWater’s covert transferable marker solution has been designed specifically for use by the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies within closely controlled covert operations. Due to the risks of cross-contamination which could undermine the evidential chain, SmartWater does not sell transferable marker solutions to the general public.

TWO DIFFERENT TYPES: - Internal: a light, liquid grease for indoor applications

- Heavy Duty: a heavy, more solid grease for outdoor applications

• May be visible as a greasy mark under natural light, however they fluoresce bright YELLOW / GREEN under UV light.

• Once applied to a surface, they are readily transferable to any surface or person that comes into contact with them and then transfer from these surfaces or persons onto other surfaces or persons by contact and so on. The amount transferred on these successive contacts depends on various factors such as the amount of solution applied in the first place, the amount of contact with the surface and the nature of the surface(s) to which it is applied or transferred.

• Retains its ease of transference following initial contact so it MUST be used in tightly controlled environments where primary contact can be verified by additional methods e.g. CCTV, surveillance etc. and suspects can be apprehended quickly before they come into contact with others.

• Due to it maintaining its transference, it DOES NOT FORM a robust mark and can be removed with thorough washing.

Scene Management • Gloves MUST be worn at all times when applying grease or dealing with scenes and should be securely disposed of /

destroyed after use.

• Staff attending a scene should be informed they are attending a scene with transferable grease and where possible should avoid entering until UV lighting is available to indicate grease & any suspect’s movements.

• Officers who have attended the scene or had contact with exhibits should have no contact with suspects to prevent potential cross-contamination issues.

• All scenes must be thoroughly cleaned using household cleaning agents and checked under UV light once the operation is complete to prevent transfer to innocent parties.

• Due to the potential for cross contamination, the bottle of Transferable Marker solution must never be submitted for analysis with other exhibits but if considered appropriate may be retained as an exhibit.

Please refer to page 11 and 12 for information on sampling Transferable Marker Solution from suspects, clothing and other items

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CASH DEGRADATION DYES AND GLUES

SmartWater is used by Cash in Transit (CIT) organisations as part of their cash degradation systems within their cashboxes. The unique SmartWater taggant and fluorescent marker are both incorporated into the standard cash degradation dyes and glues which are released over banknotes when a cashbox is accessed in an unauthorised manner.

Currently SmartWater taggants are in use by the following CIT companies:

G4S (Group 4 Securicor) AEGIS Security SSG (Sunwin Services Group)

The dye systems are primarily designed to mark the notes within the cashbox and the glues not only mark the notes but also bind them together to prevent them from being fed into gaming or ticket machines in attempt to launder them. Whilst SmartWater in cash canisters is not designed to spray suspects it can transfer to them, their tools and surrounding areas when the cashbox is opened / forced especially if the solution is still wet.

Each cashbox is issued with a unique forensic code meaning that stained banknotes can be traced back to an individual attack.

TWO DIFFERENT TYPES:

Dye cashboxes contain DARK PURPLE dye and the presence of SmartWater is indicated by BRIGHT GREEN FLUORESCENCE visible under UV light within the stained areas:

Dye stained note in natural light Dye stained note under UV light

The dye is extremely difficult to remove but attempts at cleaning a dye stained banknote can cause the dye to fade and/or change colour. The most common methods of washing cause the purple / blue dye to appear lighter and bluer in colour:

Washed dye stained note in natural light Washed Dye stained note under UV light

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Glue cashboxes contain a DARK GREEN glue and the presence of SmartWater is indicated by BRIGHT GREEN FLUORESCENCE visible under UV light within the stained areas:

Glue stained note in natural light Glue stained note under UV light

The glue is also extremely difficult to remove and attempts at cleaning a glue stained banknote can cause the glue to fade and/or change colour. The most common methods of washing cause the green glue to appear dull green / grey or brown:

Washed glue stained note in natural light Washed glue stained note under UV light

In most cases the bright green fluorescence is still clearly visible in the areas of heaviest staining, however if the notes have been cleaned in washing powder (or similar) then the bright white-blue fluorescence (caused by optical brighteners) which will be visible across the whole note may make it difficult to distinguish any other coloured fluorescence.

If the fluorescent marks are not clear, for example due to widespread white-blue fluorescence from the background, then the use of a yellow-green filter may enhance the contrast.

Please note: A range of other marks and security features may be visible on banknotes under UV light; however these do not contain SmartWater. Some additional points which may help in deciding whether or not notes may be marked with dyes containing SmartWater are given overleaf.

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• Not all blue / purple and green dyes contain SmartWater taggants.

• Other cash degradation dyes and smokes in common use stain notes red-pink or mix red and black dyes. These do not contain SmartWater.

• All Bank of England notes display their denomination in yellow and pink fluorescence under UV light. The new £20 note also has randomly scattered yellow and pink fluorescent fibres throughout the note (see below). These are inherent security features and have no relation to SmartWater.

Please refer to pages 11 and 12 for information on sampling items marked with cash degradation dyes and glues containing SmartWater.

If dye or glue from a cashbox is found on a suspect’s skin, follow same procedures for swabbing as detailed in the SAMPLING - SUSPECTS section on page 11.

HIGH TEMPERATURE MARKER

• SmartWater’s High Temperature Marker has been developed for use on vehicle exhaust systems, specifically catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters.

• It should be used on these high temperature parts only and no other vehicle surfaces or components.

• SmartWater’s High temperature marker is virtually invisible in natural light but fluoresces bright green under UV light.

• It is almost impossible to remove once dried.

• Guaranteed to last for 5 years or 100,000 miles.

• If a catalytic converter or other exhaust part is recovered and is suspected to be marked with SmartWater after checking under UV light, then the whole item should be submitted for analysis.

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SAMPLING

SUSPECTS:• Transport and deal with suspects as for blood / rape evidence to minimise cross contamination.

• Identify areas of bright yellow/green fluorescence on a suspect using UV light. Ensure the marked areas are not visible under natural light.

• For CIT, identify areas of purple / blue dye staining in natural light and examine under UV light for bright green fluorescence within the dye stained areas.

Sample the SmartWater from skin by SWABBING:

o Use SmartWater Swabbing Solution: Dampen (do not soak) a dry, sterile swab with SmartWater Swabbing Solution. Dry swabs or distilled water will not remove the forensic code.

o Rub the swab on the fluorescent or stained area: Remove as much of the fluorescence or staining as possible using one side of the swab.

o Check the swab: Look at the swab under UV light to check if the fluorescence has transferred to the swab. If no fluorescence is visible, continue swabbing. If still no fluorescence transfers then this confirms that the fluorescent mark is NOT SmartWater. If CIT, the dye staining should be visible on the swab in natural light.

o Always provide a Control Swab: Repeat the above procedure on an area of the skin that does not fluoresce or is not dye stained. Control swabs are essential for clear identification of a SmartWater signature. An unused batch swab will not suffice.

o Don’t take duplicate swabs: this can result in over-dilution of the SmartWater solution therefore compromise the ability to detect the forensic code. Swabs should be taken across as large an area as possible to ensure a good transfer of SmartWater to the swab. For example, one swab should be used to sample a whole hand rather than a separate swab for each finger.

• If SmartWater is present on hair then a sample of the hair itself should be taken and submitted.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR:• Identify areas of bright yellow/green fluorescent on clothing and footwear using UV light. Ensure the marked areas are

not visible under natural light.

• For CIT, identify areas of purple / blue dye staining in natural light and examine under UV light for bright green fluorescence within the dye stained areas.

• If areas of possible SmartWater are identified, all items of clothing and footwear must be seized and packaged separately.

• Submit items of clothing or property marked with SmartWater as whole items – DO NOT SWAB: IT WILL NOT SAMPLE THE SMARTWATER.

• If items are still wet or marked with transferable marker, place in plastic evidence bags to avoid cross contamination by leakage through paper bags.

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PROPERTY (personal property, cable, lead. parts of vehicles etc.):• Identify areas of bright yellow/green fluorescent on the item using UV light. Ensure the marked areas are not visible

under natural light.

• For CIT, identify areas of purple / blue dye staining in natural light and examine under UV light for bright green fluorescence within the dye stained areas.

• If areas of possible SmartWater are identified, all items of property must be seized and packaged separately.

• Where possible, the whole item or part(s) of the item should be submitted for analysis. If marked items cannot be submitted whole or in parts, then scrapings MUST be taken using a clean scalpel for each item sampled.

• If scrapings are taken, they MUST be accompanied by control scrapings from a nearby non-fluorescent area taken using a clean scalpel and packaged separately to marked items.

• If particles or microdots are present, the number may be read using a microscope with at least x 30 magnification. The owner of the property may then be identified directly from our National Security Register. Call our offices on 0800 521 669 for details.

• DO NOT SWAB ITEMS OF PROPERTY - IT WILL NOT COLLECT THE FORENSIC CODE, however the following exceptions apply:

o If Forensic Spray, CIT dye or Transferable Marker is found on a HARD surface that is too hard for a cutting or scrapings to be taken or too big for the whole item to be submitted then a swab can be taken.

o When LOOSE fragments of SmartWater Forensic Coding Solution are found on tools or clothing that could have transferred from marked property which has been attacked or damaged then a swab can be used to collect the loose fragments.

BANKNOTES • When submitting banknotes suspected to be marked with SmartWater from a cashbox, ensure that purple / blue or

green staining is visible in natural light, and bright GREEN fluorescence is visible within the stained areas under UV light. The SmartWater traceable liquid added to cash in transit (CIT) dyes does not separate out and will ONLY be detected in dye-stained areas.

• Any stained banknotes (purple / blue dye or green glue) should be seized and appropriately packaged.

• Plastic bags and / or double bagging are recommended, particularly if the banknotes are still damp.

• Banknotes suspected to have come from different attacks should be packaged separately.

• Chemical fingerprinting of stained banknotes should be undertaken prior to SmartWater examination as areas of the notes will be removed for SmartWater analysis.

• If necessary, a small area of staining can be removed from the whole banknote and submitted for analysis.

• Individual banknotes from a larger batch can be submitted. If a submitted exhibit comprises a significant number of notes ONLY a representative sample will be analysed.

• DO NOT SWAB BANKNOTES AS IT WILL NOT SAMPLE THE SMARTWATER.

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SUBSTANCES MISTAKEN FOR SMARTWATER

SmartWater is invisible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions and it glows a characteristic bright GREEN / YELLOW colour under UV light. However many other substances will also fluoresce under UV light. Other substances which have been mistaken for SmartWater include:

Substance Colour under UV

Optical brighteners in washing powder

Fibres on dark clothing

White / light coloured clothing

Fluorescent jacket fibres

Glues

Stitching & adhesives on trainers

Worn areas on trainers

Paints

Greases & lubricants

Residue from citrus peel

Small spots / pores in ears

Dandruff

Liquid from glow sticks

Fluorescent marker pens

Weathering on lead

Blue / White

Bright Blue

Blue / White

Bright Yellow (moves when touched)

Green to Blue, usually dull in colour

Blue threads, Greenish adhesives

Yellow/Green

Various but all visible under natural light

Dull Greens to Blues

Orange to dull Yellow

Orange to Pink

White / Blue

Various, but visible in natural light

Various but visible in natural light

Powdery yellow / green however SmartWater will show distinct brushstrokes or spray patterns

Worn areas on trainers under UV light Weathering on lead under UV light

Fluorescent material under UV light Citrus Juice on hand under UV light

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SUBMISSION TO THE LABORATORIES

Any items believed to be marked with SmartWater should be submitted to our laboratories for analysis and identification of the unique SmartWater reference number.

The analysis and provision of CJ witness statements is provided free of charge to the Police and other Law Enforcement agencies1.

PRIOR TO SUBMISSION • Ensure that only items that meet the necessary criteria are submitted. SmartWater cannot offer a screening service for

exhibits, only items on which the appropriate fluorescence and/or dye have been located will be accepted.

• If any other forensic tests are to be carried out on an exhibit (e.g. DNA, fingerprinting, fibres, footwear analysis), we would recommend these are undertaken prior to submission to SmartWater. Although we operate in a controlled environment and only handle exhibits whilst wearing gloves, we will need to perform a thorough examination and in many cases we will cut out areas for analysis.

• Photographs of suspected SmartWater marks may be e-mailed to the laboratories prior to a formal submission for examination at analysis@smartwater.com. Our trained staff will make an assessment on whether or not the exhibits should be sent for further analysis.

• If you have any questions regarding the identification of SmartWater, or the submission of evidence, please call our laboratories on 0800 521 669.

1Please note that SmartWater reserves the right to charge for the examination of marks that are not SmartWater in cases where these

guidelines have not been followed.

SUBMISSION • Exhibits may be brought to our laboratory by hand if an appointment is arranged in advance, or sent by courier (a

signature and proof of delivery is required for continuity purposes).

• All submissions should be accompanied by the relevant MGFSP/MG 21 form. This may be e-mailed or faxed in advance.

• Please ensure that all exhibits to be submitted have been individually bagged, as per Force policy and that appropriate control samples are provided for each item.

RESULTS AND RETURN OF EVIDENCE • The standard turnaround time for results is 15 working days (3 weeks). Our laboratories are open Monday to Friday

during normal office hours. If a submission is considered to be urgent or critical, please contact us on 0800 521 669 to discuss your requirements.

• Results will be reported to the Officer in charge of the case, as listed on the submission form. The information provided for a positive identification will include the unique SmartWater reference number and details of the registered owner of the traceable liquid; the location that a Spray System was installed; or the details of the cashbox into which the SmartWater was fitted; as appropriate.

• Unless otherwise requested, exhibits will be returned to the Officer in charge of the case, at the address given on the submission form, by courier. A signature will be required on receipt. If exhibits are to be collected by hand then an appointment should be made when the results are reported as we do not have a facility for the long-term storage of exhibits.

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RECOMMENDED LIGHTINGUltraviolet (UV) light is used to assist in the identification and authentication of a range of documents including passports and driving licences, as well as banknotes and credit cards. In addition, ultraviolet light is currently used by the Police Service to assist with forensic investigations as well as the detection of UV marker pens and micro-markings. SmartWater can be detected on both items of value and on suspects in exactly the same way.

SmartWater fluoresces under UV light with a wavelength of 365 nm. This is classified as a UV–A light source, often referred to as long-wave UV or Blacklight. UV–A wavelengths represent the safest form of UV due to their low levels of energy output.

There is currently widespread misunderstanding and misinformation concerning the health and safety issues surrounding ultraviolet light. Whilst over exposure can lead to adverse health effects, it is important to remember that levels of exposure to both Police Staff and detainees during every day Police work are minimal, and can easily be kept within the recommended exposure limits.

All UV lighting recommended by SmartWater is accompanied by health and safety information and safe exposure times. Details of suitable UV equipment for fluorescing SmartWater can be obtained by calling our Customer Services Team on 0800 521 669.

PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUESWhen photographing areas believed to be marked with SmartWater, images should be taken under both natural and UV light. Subjects should be labelled as usual with details and scales.

The use of digital cameras allows images to be checked for colour balance and contrast in real time and adjustments to be made as necessary. The settings that give the best results vary from camera to camera and will also depend on the UV lighting used; however the points below should assist:

• When using a high powered UV lamp the best results are obtained with some ambient light.

• Turn off any automatic flash as this will wash out the fluorescence.

• A tripod is recommended if longer exposure times are required.

• The SmartWater should be clearly visible under UV light. Holding the UV source at an oblique angle to the surface to be photographed will reduce purple flare.

• If the fluorescent marks are not clear, for example due to widespread white-blue fluorescence from the background, then the use of a yellow-green filter may enhance the contrast.

• If satisfactory results are not obtained in an automatic mode then manual settings including exposure, shutter speeds and custom white balance may be adjusted.