Transport chiefs are hailing the success of a scheme that has seen bus drivers in Dundee equipped with CSI-style miniature DNA kits to help police track down people who spit at staff or fellow passengers.
The “spit kits” include swabs, gloves and hermetically sealed bags which allow National Express drivers to take saliva samples and protect them from contamination before they are sent for forensic analysis.
First introduced around six years ago, the scheme is now being refreshed owing to its success in preventing anti-social behaviour on buses and tracking down offenders.
One such culprit was traced and successfully prosecuted using DNA evidence collected at the scene after an assault on a driver in Dundee last month.
Phil Smith, managing director of National Express Dundee, said: “Incidents of spitting on our vehicles are few and far between, but these rare occasions are unacceptable to us, our staff and our customers.
“We have invested in these DNA kits to help Tayside Police track down the few individuals who are guilty of this disgusting behaviour.”
Saliva samples are stored in a fridge before being despatched for forensic analysis. Arrest plans are put in place should returned DNA results point to a suspect already known to police.
If not, the DNA record is kept on file, with the case resurrected if the suspect is later arrested on another matter.
PC Gill Grant, a community safety officer with Tayside Police, said: “Tayside Police is always keen to support any initiative which helps detect people committing crimes in the community.
“Incidents on buses are rare, but we hope these kits prove to be a deterrent to anyone considering assaulting a driver or fellow passenger.”
Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour during their journey can report the incident to police by calling the non-emergency number on 0300 111 2222, or 999 in an emergency situation.