NCJ Number
194797
Date Published
August 2004
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This police training guide addresses the problem of graffiti.
Abstract
This police training guide addresses effective responses to the problem of graffiti which is seen as a persistent and intractable problem and is often related to other crime and disorder problems. A major factor discussed is what motivates graffiti offenders, including psychological needs, excitement, a sense of control, and elements of risk, and as a form of public communication. Key questions to ask in dealing with graffiti control are addressed, such as what are the types of graffiti, where is it located, when is it perpetrated, who are its victims, how much is there, how big is it, and how many incident reports are received. Having answered these questions, it is stressed that it is then necessary to measure the effectiveness of responses. Useful measures of response effectiveness include the extent to which graffiti is reduced, moved, or reflects a change in offenders' tactics. Appropriate responses are discussed, including reducing rewards to offenders by detecting graffiti rapidly and routinely, monitor graffiti-prone locations routinely, increase reporting of incidents and offenders, remove it quickly, and increase the risk of detection. Also, increasing the difficulty of offending is recommended by vandal-proofing and/or controlling access to graffiti-prone locations, and focusing on chronic offenders. Limited effectiveness responses include limiting access to graffiti tools, channeling offenders to more acceptable behaviors, providing alternative services and activities, and involving youth in developing programs, expanding applicable laws, holding parents accountable, using new technologies, establishing juvenile curfews, and warning offenders. The guide concludes with a table summarizing responses to graffiti. References