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Councilman Greg Stanton
North Central News Column
January 2008
The fight against graffiti
The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department’s (NSD) Graffiti Busters program is committed to eliminating graffiti vandalism. In recent years, graffiti activity has increased. In addition to being a crime, it is costly, destructive and creates a negative connotation about neighborhoods. Most people associate graffiti or tagging work with gangs, but generally it is the product of kids just wanting to show off – it’s a whole new subculture. According to national studies, there are four primary motivating factors for graffiti vandalism: fame, rebellion, self-expression and power.
Advancements in technology of paint and resources have created a greater opportunity for graffiti. In the 2006-07 fiscal year, crews painted over 65,000 sites. To keep pace, the Graffiti Busters crew now operates seven days a week in 10-hour shifts. Since the need to keep our public areas clean is high priority, the proposed budget includes about $440,000 additionally for graffiti removal and enforcement.
State officials have also joined in the fight. Gov. Janet Napolitano recently signed House Bill 2344, proposed by NSD that creates a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for graffiti vandalism. State lawmakers have recognized the need for stricter laws and now a convicted juvenile graffiti vandal pay $300 up to $1,000 plus have their license revoked and pay an 80-percent court surcharge.
Community service is assigned to those unable to pay at a rate of one hour of service for every $10 fined. As a convicted adult, one is prosecuted through the Phoenix Municipal Court, and must serve a minimum of 48 hours jail time, 80 hours community service plus a $500 fine.
Crews are dispatched each day to paint over, power wash and remove graffiti, usually within 24 to 48 hours of it being reported. A spectrophotometer allows paint to be color-matched to avoid unsightly blotches and graffiti flash-cams are placed throughout the city to deter vandals.
Neighborhoods, churches, schools, local businesses and other groups also are encouraged to take a paint sprayer training class to use the city’s tool lending program and remove graffiti themselves. Classes are offered periodically throughout the year and can be requested by neighborhood groups. Paint and other materials also are available to help neighborhood groups fight graffiti in their community.
If graffiti is in progress, residents should call 9-1-1. To get graffiti removed, call the 24-hour Graffiti Busters hotline at 602-495-7014 and for free paint and materials, call 602-495-0323.
Graffiti is spreading, but by bringing awareness to the new penalties and strong community involvement of removal, this vandalism can and will be stopped.
Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents north central Phoenix and is a member of the City Council Public Safety and Veterans Issues Subcommittee. If you have any questions, please call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.
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