Graffiti

Graffiti is the most common type of property vandalism, and is one of the most visible forms of crime as well. One common misconception among the general public is that all graffiti is gang-related. This is not the case here in Spokane County.

According to sources at the Spokane Police Department, roughly 90% of Spokane's graffiti is known as "tagging." This form of vandalism is nonthreatening, and nonviolent. It is sometimes referred to as "street art," and more often than not is done as a way to receive fame or admiration from peers.

Tagger 1 Tagger 2 Tagger 3

These are examples of nongang-related or "tagger" graffiti in the Spokane area.

However, approximately 10% of Spokane's graffiti is considered gang-related. Gang graffiti differs from tagging because it has a defined purpose. It can be intended to communicate a message, claim a territory, threaten, disrespect, and/or provoke rivals, or even simply identify those within their gang. Whatever the reason, gang graffiti is meant to be read by people.

Graffiti Example Graffiti Example
These are all examples of gang-related graffiti in the Spokane area.
Graffiti Example Graffiti Example

 

So what do you do about graffiti if you or someone you know is a victim of this form of vandalism? Just remember the "4 Rs":

  1. Read it- Gather what you can from what is written and/or drawn. It may help authorities gather intelligence.
  2. Record it- Take a picture and send the photo(s) to graffiti@spokanesheriff.org
  3. Report it - If you're watching it happen, call 9-1-1, if after-the-fact, call Crime Check: 509-456-2233
  4. Remove it!- A tagged wall is 10 times more likely to be re-tagged than a clean wall, and a patched over wall is 3 times more likely to be retagged.

 

This project is supported by a grant awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office of Victims of Crime. Points of view or opinions in this document do not represent the official position or the policies of the United States Department of Justice.