NCJ Number
194804
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 50 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 22-24,26
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article described the Maricopa County, Arizona, Northwest Block Watch Coalition, Graffiti Hotline established to combat graffiti vandalism through partnerships, and how other communities across the globe can establish their own coalition.
Abstract
In response to the war on graffiti, the Northwest Block Watch Coalition in Phoenix, Arizona established a community-based partnership in 1994 with the Phoenix Police Department, city officials, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to reduce graffiti vandalism and improve the quality of life in the community. In 1995 the Coalition created the Graffiti Hotline. The Hotline allows citizens to anonymously report graffiti vandalism and offers a reward for information. This article presents an overview of the nationally recognized program, the development of proactive community partnerships, its impact on conviction rates and the cost to the community since its inception. In addition, critical information is presented on the development of a coalition which includes the establishment of a good working alliance between law enforcement entities, the prosecutor’s office, and citizen groups, vandalism documentation, graffiti removal, and prevention strategies. The Northwest Block Watch Coalition is said to have laid the foundation and set the goal in getting rid of graffiti in all communities.