TASK FORCE TO PRESENT COUNTY-WIDE ANTI-GRAFFITI INITIATIVE
Plan includes 22 proposals including suggested legislative changes, public outreach ideas and educational strategies to fight graffiti On June 21, 2008, after 6 months of hard work, members of the Anti-Graffiti Community Task Force will present the 2008 Anti-Graffiti Final Report. The report is the blueprint for a new initiative and contains more than 20 concrete proposals that can be implemented to reduce the incidence of graffiti in our neighborhoods, among them: · Amend state law to enhance punishment for repeat offenders.· Developing a first offender program for juveniles who commit graffiti.· Propose city ordinance requiring property owners to consent to graffiti clean-up or else pay a fine and costs of clean up.· Adopt ordinances to require business to lock up or place spray paint behind a counter. · Implementation of a Graffiti Public Information Campaign.· Promote “Campus Crime Stoppers” at all local schools.
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez decided to reconvene the Anti-Graffiti Task Force earlier this year after reports of increased tagging activity all around the El Paso County.
“Graffiti reduces retail sales and produces declines in property value because it generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity. It also affects residents’ quality of life and scares away investors who otherwise might be willing to bring new business and industries to our communities,” Rodriguez concluded.
The 2008 Anti-Graffiti Final Report will be unveiled at a public meeting to be held on Saturday June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the El Paso Police Department’s Northeast Regional Command (9600 Dyer). Local and state elected officials, representatives from all the school districts, law enforcement agencies, business organizations, concerned citizens and volunteer organizations are expected to be present. The public is encouraged to attend. WHO: Anti-Graffiti Community Task ForceWHAT: Presentation of the County-wide Anti-Graffiti InitiativeWHEN: Saturday June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.WHERE: EPPD Northeast Regional Command
9600 Dyer (Northeast El Paso)
Graffiti Task Force Press Release.pdf