NCJ Number
182968
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 67 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 28-29
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Citizens in northeast Los Angeles were concerned about the proliferation of graffiti and the congregating of juvenile groups, many of them gang members and taggers, and the police response was a graffiti abatement program called the Juvenile Impact Program.
Abstract
The objective of the program was to enhance community vitality by investigating graffiti tagging and obliging the responsible parties to perform 100 hours of community service under police supervision. The police department also entered into contractual arrangements with parents and guardians of juvenile offenders. Recognizing the success of the graffiti abatement effort, the juvenile traffic court began referring juveniles cited for offenses such as curfew violations, truancy, graffiti, trespassing, marijuana possession, and petty theft to the Juvenile Impact Program. Program staffing expanded to involve reserve police officers, community volunteers, and police applicants. As the program grew, interactions between police officers, taggers, and gang members multiplied. Juvenile offenders bonded with police officers and dissociated themselves from criminal connections. Parents who had difficulties with their children inquired about enrolling them in the program. The Juvenile Impact Program has evolved into a multifaceted program that involves community residents and businesses and engages young people in community service, sports, and drama. Program components include parent training, mentoring, and military-style physical fitness sessions, in addition to community service. 3 photographs