The Graffiti Problem

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The Graffiti Problem
Presented By Detective Brian Smyser
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Impact of Graffiti

• The presence of graffiti in an area is perceived
  as a sign of the lowering of the quality of life
  in our communities. Graffiti is unacceptable on
  every level. It looks bad, costs money, and often
  frightens people vulnerable to crime. Graffiti is
  a complex, multifaceted problem requiring a range
  of responses for its solution. This response
  requires commitment and participation by both
  government and the community.

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What Is Graffiti?

• Graffiti is a mark of a name or symbol, which is
  intentionally drawn, carved or etched onto an
  object.
• There are 4 types of graffiti classifications
• Tagger Typically a name or a crew and is done
  to show off art skills
• Satanic/Hate Typically racist/hate groups and
  anarchist groups
• Gang Typically done using symbols and the gangs
  name to claim territory, disrespect rivals and
  send messages
• Generic All other graffiti, ex. John loves
  Sue

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Gang Graffiti

• Gang graffiti is usually rudimentary and lacks
  any artistic content.
• Gangs use graffiti to claim territory, disrespect
  rivals and to communicate.

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Tagger Graffiti

• Tagger graffiti usually is more artistic and has
  some aesthetic value to it.

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Satanic/ Hate

• Satanic graffiti usually has pentagrams, 666 and
  other cult symbols.
• Hate graffiti is targeted at specific persons or
  groups based on religion, gender , race or creed.

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Graffiti Styles

• There are several styles of graffiti used by
  artists today. All of the following styles have
  been found in Stafford County.

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Slashing/Crossing Out

• This indicates rivalry between taggers or crews.
  This is worth noting as it indicates tension
  within the graffiti groups. It is worth noting
  from the paint type who is slashing who. The
  reason? The investigating officer can on an
  apprehension know of the rivalry and use it
  during interview.

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Stencils

• Stencil graffiti is seen by some as artistic and
  in some cities is left due to its sometimes witty
  and political message.
• Some stencils can be small and others can be 8
  tall.
• If you suffer from stencil graffiti usually
  indicates your graffiti culture is fully evolved.

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Paste Ups

• Paste ups are similar to stencils in that the
  offenders consider themselves true artists and
  above the spray can mentality. 
• Like stencils some paste ups can be very large
  with some witnessed over 10 in height.
• These are water based paste which will peel off
  naturally or can be removed fairly quickly.

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Slap Tags / Stickers

• This form is among the most menacing to the rail
  networks, post, telecommunications, and victims
  who are on the street.
• Very difficult and time consuming to remove,
  these are seen as a real annoyance to the
  victims.

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Tags / Tagging

• The most common form of graffiti and for cities
  and infrastructure the most expensive in total
  damage.
• The speed and sheer volume of this type can see
  thousands of dollars damage in a very short
  amount of time from one can or marker.
• Tagging can be done with spray paint, marker
  pens, mops and other implements.

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Scrubs

• This form is typically in two or three colors and
  not good enough to be classed as a piece. They
  are quick to do given the basic outlines and
  quick fill in with one color.
• Taggers tend to progress to this style if they
  want to do more than just tag.

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Piece / Mural

• This style has multiple names for it so we will
  use the common known above. Normally of higher
  quality and regularly completed by several
  offenders.  
• These are of importance as they regularly contain
  or have around them the tags of those who did the
  mural.

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Burner (Mural)

•  Another style usually with exceptional talent
  involved involving one or more offenders. Of
  highest grade this person would be well respected
  throughout the local graffiti community. 

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Scratchitti
 

• The term attached to graffiti or markings on
  glass or Plexiglas. Most commonly found in
  trains, phone boxes, shop windows and anywhere
  glass is used. It is very expensive to remove or
  replace and typically there is no ability for the
  offender to be creative.

 
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Acid Etch

• Using craft acids used for art and craft work on
  glass, this form is similar in damage to
  scratchitti. The acid is typically contained in a
  bottle with a tip that allows the offender to
  write with the acid. The acid etches into the
  glass causing semi permanent damage that is once
  again expensive to treat or replace.

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Common Graffiti Tools

• Spray Paint Any brand will do but Krylon is the
  most popular. Various size tips can be purchased
  for skinny or wide lines or fills.
• Markers Inedible or permanent/paint are the
  most popular.
• Paint Rollers Regular rollers commonly used to
  paint large areas.
• Stickers Artists can pre-write their tag on
  several stickers and then go out to place them in
  various locations. Postal stickers are the most
  popular.
• Paint Sticks Some are homemade and most are
  ordered on the internet. These have become
  extremely popular, especially the ones with a
  fat, sponge tip.
• Sharp Objects Used to do scratchiti. Carving a
  tag instead of painting it.
• Shoe Polish Typically used to do throw-ups.

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The Cost

• Each graffiti offense takes on average an hour of
  time from the Sheriffs Office. This includes
  responding to the location, taking a photograph,
  obtaining information for a police report,
  notifying the property owner, completing the
  report and logging the graffiti for future
  reference (prosecution, etc.).
• Every tag done, no matter how small, costs no
  less than 100.00 dollars to remove when taking
  the following into consideration getting a crew
  to the location, labor, materials, power washing,
  sand blasting, painting, replacing
  stickers/markings, special chemicals, replacing
  the property, etc. A small tag (4 inches high, 7
  inches wide) recently cost a tagger over 700.00
  dollars to have it removed.

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Who Does This?

• Those who indulge in graffiti are often young
  people who under-achieve at school. Boredom,
  alienation, family and community breakdown, lack
  of leisure opportunities and youth unemployment
  have all been cited as causes.

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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti in Stafford County
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Graffiti Removal

• Graffiti removal is both costly and hazardous.
  Exposure to toxic chemicals used to remove
  graffiti can cause serious injury.
• The minimum cost for graffiti removal is around
  100.
• Some web-sites offer guides to graffiti removal,
  like the one to the right.

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Questions?
Graffiti is not a problem that can be arrested
away. However, we can minimize the frequency and
length of exposure of graffiti.
Remember. What You Permit, You Promote!!!