Southern Nevada Southern Nevada Graffiti CoalitionGraffiti Coalition N o v e m b e r ~ D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0N o v e m b e r ~ D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Southern Nevada United Against Graffiti Vandalism

Southern Nevada United Against Graffiti Vandalism

Southern NevadaSouthern Nevada:: America’s Toughest Community on Graffiti VandalsAmerica’s Toughest Community on Graffiti Vandals

On October 5th 2010 the Clark County Commission voted unanimously to

change to the “minor in possession of graffiti implements” ordinance which

forbids minors from possessing spray paint and large graffiti markers in

public. The approved change removed the age requirement for enforcement

of the statute and allows law enforcement officers to arrest any person,

regardless of age who publicly possesses graffiti implements when the officer

establishes that the person has the intent to place illegal graffiti vandalism.

The city of Las Vegas previously removed the age requirement and the

Nevada Revised Statutes also provides for enforcement of graffiti implement

possession for all ages at the state level. This effectively removes possession

of graffiti implements as a “status offense,” or crime only enforceable upon

offenders who are minors. It is now a misdemeanor crime throughout the city

of Las Vegas and Clark County to be in possession of graffiti implements

when a law enforcement officer can articulate the intent to place illegal

graffiti vandalism. Since the law requires “criminal intent” citizens who are

in lawful possession of these items are fully protected and not subject to

enforcement.

With this approved measure the city of Las Vegas and unincorporated areas

of Clark County a have become the toughest in America in preventing graffiti

vandals from vandalizing property and allowing law enforcement officers to

stop them before they deface public property or property owned by southern

Nevada citizens.

Law enforcement officers in Clark County and the city of Las Vegas now have

a powerful tool in stopping graffiti vandals before the graffiti vandalism

occurs.

Violators of this ordinance who are convicted face probation, fines,

community service, and jail time.

MCMXCV

Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition, November ~ December 2010 Page 2

Metro’s “Graffiti Abatement and

Investigation Program” is Implemented

Southern Nevada’s comprehensive plan to manage and control graffiti proliferation has three

important elements: Abatement, Prevention, and Enforcement. Of these elements abatement

is the key to keeping southern Nevada looking good and keeping graffiti under control. This is

because graffiti vandalism is a crime that continues after the arrest is made. A graffiti crime is not

truly resolved until the graffiti is removed.

In an effort to best utilize available manpower and impact our community in a positive way inmates

housed at the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC) are being used to remove graffiti in our

community. To enhance the effectiveness of this program LVMPD corrections officers have

partnered with detectives from the LVMPD Gang Crimes Bureau to maximize the benefit of this

program and increase the department’s graffiti enforcement capabilities.

Here’s how it works: Prior to inmates removing the graffiti it is photographed and documented. The

information is then entered into a system managed by graffiti investigations detectives. The

information is then used for investigations, intelligence, and strategic planning. Criminal cases are

brought against vandals and existing cases are enhanced.

The result: an effective tool in removing graffiti in a cost-effective way and at the same time

enhancing the LVMPD’s ability to identify, arrest, and prosecute graffiti vandals.

Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition, November ~ December 2010 Page 3

SOUTHERN NEVADA GRAFFITI GUIDE

To Report a Graffiti Vandal in Progress:

Call 911. Do not approach the vandal.

Be a good witness for responding officers.

Assist the officers with information if/when requested once the vandal is in custody.

To Request Graffiti Removal on Public Property:

Call the Southern Nevada Graffiti Hotline at 455-4509.

For Graffiti Removal on Non-Public Property:

For graffiti on utility boxes you can contact the company which owns the box.

For your safety do not attempt to remove graffiti from these boxes yourself.

Graffiti removal on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

If an arrest is made the owner may receive full restitution as ordered by the court.

If the graffiti is on property managed by a home owner's association the HOA is

responsible for removal of the graffiti. The HOA must also make the police report.

To Receive Free Graffiti Removal Supplies for your Neighborhood:

Contact the county or city where you reside. Often these supplies can be provided if

you and your neighbors are able and willing to remove graffiti in your neighborhood.

To Have a Police Report made:

Stop by your nearest police station.

You must own the property to complete a police report.

When a report is made a detective will be assigned the case for investigation.

To Report a Known Graffiti Vandal:

Contact your local police department.

To remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

(You may be eligible for a cash award if an arrest is

made and the damage exceeds $5,000.00)

Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition, November ~ December 2010 Page 4

CRIME STOPPERS of NEVADA: A Valuable Tool in bringing Graffiti Vandals to Justice

Crime Stoppers of Nevada is a non-profit crime fighting organization here in Southern Nevada.

Beginning in 1979 under the name “Secret Witness,” Crime Stoppers has received more than

190,000 anonymous phone calls from citizens wishing to report criminals and help solve crimes in

our community. As a result of these calls more than 10,000 arrests have been made. These arrests

include all types of crimes including graffiti vandalism related offenses.

Recently a citizen reported to Crime Stoppers that a local business was furnishing restricted graffiti

related items to minors. As a result an investigation was initiated and an arrest was made. The

business in question is no longer operating in our community and a strong message has been sent to

other businesses that graffiti is a serious crime and we must all do our part to stop it.

Crime Stoppers of Nevada and our local law enforcement agencies will continue to

work together to fight graffiti vandalism and bring graffiti vandals to justice.

To Report a Graffiti To Report a Graffiti

Vandal to Crime Vandal to Crime

Stoppers call Stoppers call

385385--5555 or go to 5555 or go to

www.CrimeStopperswww.CrimeStoppers

OfNV.comOfNV.com. .

You may remain You may remain

Anonymous. Anonymous.

If an Arrest is If an Arrest is

made you may made you may

be eligible for be eligible for

a Cash Award a Cash Award

(if the damage (if the damage

exceeds $5,000).exceeds $5,000).

Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition, November ~ December 2010 Page 5

American GraffitiAmerican Graffiti How other Communities in America are Fighting Graffiti.How other Communities in America are Fighting Graffiti.

This IssueThis Issue: : Corpus Christi TX sues parent of taggerCorpus Christi TX sues parent of tagger

The city of Corpus Christi Texas has taken serious measures to fight costly graffiti vandalism.

Recently a juvenile graffiti vandal was identified and the city of Corpus Christi filed a lawsuit against

the offender’s father. The city is seeking $7,000.00 in damages, the cost of the damage the vandal is

responsible for.

The vandal was convicted of placing the graffiti but the city has been unable to collect restitution for

the damage through the juvenile court system.

This case is a good example of a community fighting graffiti using available resources and alternative

legal avenues. This is the first case in Texas of a city government suing a juvenile graffiti offender’s

parent. We will monitor this case and advise the outcome.

In the State of

Nevada Parents and

Legal Guardians can

be held liable for

the actions of

Juveniles.

If a Juvenile is

Arrested for

damaging your

Property contact the

Department of

Juvenile Justice’s

Victim Assistance

Department for

further Inquiries.

Southern Nevada Graffiti Coalition, November ~ December 2010 Page 6

GRAFFITI VANDALISM FACT

SOUTHERN NEVADA GRAFFITI COALITION

Det. Scott Black (LVMPD), Director

Freeway overpass signs are a popular target among graffiti vandals. This is because they

are high profile and the graffiti is viewed by the many citizens who pass under the signs.

This type of graffiti is also costly to repair since the signs use a special reflective material

which is often damaged when repair is attempted. This results in the signs requiring full

replacement.

In southern Nevada when a large freeway overpass sign is vandalized and replacement is

required the value of the damage exceeds $13,000 and the vandal is charged with a felony

offense.