The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) recently was recognized nationally for its use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) in a Web-based application that enables city staff and law enforcement entities to share graffiti-related data.

The Public Technology Institute (PTI) selected NSD's Graffiti Web Services as one of 17 programs nationwide with a "Technology Solutions" award for how well they applied technology to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs or create new revenue opportunities. Award winners will be recognized at the 2007 PTI Technology Leadership Conference held from May 6 to 8 in Denver.

Graffiti Web Services integrates city graffiti data and neighborhood association information to help graffiti detectives and county prosecutors identify neighborhoods and graffiti crime victims to identify trends of graffiti vandals and assist in their apprehension and conviction. The site also allows NSD staff to view and summarize graffiti removal costs to report on and recoup these costs.

Community action and school resource officers also can access the Graffiti Web Services to identify graffiti vandals in their respective jurisdictions.

Last year, NSD staff removed more than 52,000 tagged sites around Phoenix.

For information on other NSD anti-graffiti programs, call Neighborhood Preservation at 602-262-7844 or go online at phoenix.gov/nbhdpgms/grafbust.html.