NCJ Number
122002
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 58 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 10-14
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Successful containment of the graffiti problem in the Philadelphia area by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) costs over $2 million a year.
Abstract
By the late 1970s graffiti gangs operating in the mass transportation system of Philadelphia had covered the area with their signatures; no longer was it a matter of a dozen artists working individually. SEPTA in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, and the Municipal Court System initiated an anti-graffiti program emphasizing quick removal, arrest, and prosecution. Violators were usually charged with defacing public property, criminal mischief, and found in violation of "Liability for Acts," placing financial liability on the parents of juvenile offenders. Cases were heard each week, restitution was sought and control logs of offenders were maintained. School principals were informed of student offenses, but the Authority did not publicize the names of offenders with the media, since this type of crime is often committed for attention-seeking purposes. Also highlighted is New York City's Clean Car Program begun in May 1984. 5 references.