Graffiti: Implications for Law Enforcement, Local Government and the Community

• NCJ Number: 203193
• Author(s): Adam Graycar
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Downloaded November 29, 2003.

Annotation

This article examines the nature of graffiti and presents two views of graffiti, one from a crime prevention perspective and one from a youth culture perspective.

Abstract

The significance and meaning of graffiti can vary depending upon the perspective taken. Most people view graffiti as a social ill that costs local governments, businesses, and taxpayers a significant amount of money to clean up. Estimates of graffiti removal in Australia alone top $300 million a year. To many, graffiti represents a growing criminal element in local communities. To others, graffiti represents an urban art form that has been around for as long as people have been able to write. The article presents the two main perspectives from which graffiti is viewed: the crime prevention perspective and the youth culture perspective. The crime prevention approach views graffiti as a crime that should be handled with situational crime prevention measures. Typically, three main tenets are involved in situational crime prevention: increase the effort it takes to commit the crime, increase the risk involved with committing the crime, and reduce the rewards associated with the crime. After examining the crime prevention perspective and the role of law enforcement in curbing the practice of graffiti, the article examines graffiti from a youth culture perspective. The evolution of graffiti is explored as a youth art movement that took hold in New York City during the late 1960's. After the advent of modern-day graffiti during the 1980's, graffiti quickly spread throughout the world and become a problem for Australia as the Hip Hop culture emerged. The article discusses where graffiti is found, who graffiti writers are, and the emergence of graffiti Web sites. Finally, the role of local government in the suppression and control of graffiti is examined. Although the article maintains that in the current youth culture, graffiti will not be totally eradicated, a multi-faceted approach from law enforcement and State and local government is encouraged for each unique community. Bibliography