NCJ Number
121624
Date Published
1986
Length
95 pages
Annotation
To reduce rail vandalism and graffiti, it is essential to develop an effective police and security force and rapid and effective repair and cleaning measures.
Abstract
Vandalism and graffiti are costly and sometimes hazardous. Vandalism is a widespread behavior among children and adolescents and ranges in type and motivation from deliberate damage of specific targets to unconsidered destruction of property, which is done spontaneously or in the course of another activity. Vandalism is a problem for State Rail and its passengers because it reduces comfort and availability of services, creates delays, and leads to serious accidents. The linking of vandalism and violence prevents an appropriate reaction to vandalism. Graffiti is viewed differently with a range of reactions from demand for immediate removal to the positive view of young adults who feel that it "brightens up" otherwise "boring trains." State Rail should improve their current methods of data collection, repair and cleaning, policing and security services, and deterrent measures to facilitate a more rapid and effective response to vandalism and graffiti. An increased emphasis on professionalism of the State Rail Police and security forces would increase their effectiveness. Another proposal is the establishment of a Rail Watch scheme (similar to Neighborhood Watch). Other measures outside the traditional fields of law enforcement should be considered, such as changing the idea of public space to community space. 10 tables, 55 references.