Anti-Graffiti Community Task Force Recommendations

At the recent 4th Annual Neighborhood Summit El Paso County Attorney José Rodríquez summarized the proposals made by the Anti-Graffiti Community Task Force.

The Legislation Committee recommends harsher penalties for repeat graffiti offenders. It also suggests that the City adopt an ordinance that allows government officials to enter private property to remove graffiti when property oweners fail to sign a consent form. The Committee also propses that the City adopt another ordinance that requires business owners to lock up or place spray paint behind a counter.

The Community Outreach Committee in response to a request from the El Paso Police Foundation began a public awareness campaign addressing graffiti issues. It also issued the following recommendations as part of the 2008 Final Report of the Anti-Graffiti Community Task Force:

1. Maintain one telephone number for reporting graffiti clean-up.
2. Create a graffiti public information campaign.
3. Maintain a goal of twenty-four hour graffiti removal.
4. Adopt funding for additional field supervisor and trucks for adult probation.
5. Create an annual wipeout graffiti day.
6. Support and participate in annual graffiti wipeout car show.
7. Establish a mural contest.
8. Increase law enforcement support.

Finally the School Education Committee of the Task Force made these 3 recommendations

1. Create a comprehensive community-based education program.
2. Conduct school poster and video contests.
3. Promote campus "Crime Stoppers".