Invisible ink against crime

Many D.C. residents have had something stolen from them at one point or another. But did you know that the Metropolitan Police Department participates in an initiative called "Operation ID," which can help you get your possessions back? It's a simple system: MPD will give you a free ultraviolet pen, which you then use to mark your stuff with something identifiable, like your last name and driver's license number. When the cops make a bust, they'll scan the recovered goods -- officers are trained to look in certain areas depending on the item -- and, if there's a notation, they'll be able to reunite you with your belongings. It's hardly a perfect system (the ink can smudge and criminals probably can get their hands on a black light with ease), but hey, something's better than nothing, right?

[Continue reading Aaron Morrissey's post here at DCist.com.]

Aaron Morrissey blogs at DCist. The Local Blog Network is a group of bloggers from around the D.C. region who have agreed to make regular contributions to All Opinions Are Local.