Nanaimo Graffiti Management Strategy

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Nanaimo Graffiti
Management Strategy - 2014
Graffiti, although it appears to be a minor crime has major impacts to every community. As graffiti is
placed by the vandal more graffiti will appear, thus giving rise to the “broken window effect”. Graffiti will
give a community the fear of gangs, provide the perception of higher crime and lower property value as
it will become rampant. One prolific graffiti vandal in an area can place over 100 tags visible to the
public in one night. The graffiti sub-culture is such that these graffiti vandals will often congregate with
each other and become organized graffiti crews that will lead to other vandal behaviour like mischief.
Conversely, graffiti enforcement has an obvious and immediate positive effect to the community.
In 2009/10 due to community outcry and pressure on the City of Nanaimo budget, graffiti became a top
priority to the Nanaimo RCMP. In 2008 total cost to the City of Nanaimo due to graffiti was in excess of
$115,000.00, in 2009 over $92,000.00, 2010 and 2011 although lower, the costs were almost identical
at $79,000.00. As enforcement became more effective the cost in 2012 dropped to just over $47,000.00
but as graffiti dropped out of sight of the Nanaimo Detachment in 2013 graffiti once again has started to
climb, (almost $70,000.00, source City of Nanaimo Finance Dept.). The costs have an obvious ebb and
flow that is likely directly related to enforcement and education. In the past there has not been a
comprehensive graffiti management strategy with the bulk of the Nanaimo RCMP efforts devoted to
enforcement and the City of Nanaimo’s focus being on abatement.
Several approaches were adopted to reduce graffiti because there is no singular way to satisfactorily
address this problem and none if it was very coordinated. Efforts have focused on enforcement,
prevention, education and abatement. It was acknowledged that resources are limited and that greater
collaboration would be required in order to optimize outcomes. It was also recognized that it would not
be possible to eliminate graffiti entirely in the city and we would therefore have to determine geographic
priorities and focus our efforts accordingly (see map in Attachment 1).
The development of the strategy presented here is intended to reflect on my experience and training
and is to identify improvements and to clarify roles and responsibilities (summarised in Attachment 2),
action items and indicators of success.
In order to optimize the effectiveness of this strategy, it is imperative that there is on-going collaboration
with internal and external partners (The Nanaimo Graffiti Task Force) using the strategy as our guiding
document.
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 1 of 13
March 1, 2014
Vision
Our vision is to create an atmosphere of knowledge and collaboration amongst the community and
policing partners that make Nanaimo a graffiti free city.
Mission
The mission of Nanaimo RCMP and partnering organizations is to take a collaborative and
comprehensive approach to optimize the reduction of graffiti vandalism across Nanaimo.
Nanaimo Graffiti Task Force
Nanaimo Bylaw Enforcement
Nanaimo RCMP
DNBIA - Crimestoppers
Nanaimo RCMP Auxiliary Program
Public Works Supervisor
Parks Supervisor
Canada Post
BC Hydo
Save-On Foods
Block Watch
Crime Stoppers
Approach
The approach for reducing graffiti consists of 5 focus areas, each with accompanying objectives,
actions and assigned lead staff persons.
1. Awareness - Develop broad detachment and community awareness about graffiti so that
detachment members and general public are equipped and empowered to respond.
2. Abatement - Increase efforts to minimize opportunities for graffiti vandalism on both public and
private property.
3. Remediation - Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of removing graffiti on both public and
private property.
4. Enforcement - Increase efforts to deter vandals through effective apprehension and repercussions,
and increase accountability for private property owners to maintain a graffiti free property.
5. Policy - Address policy and bylaw deficiencies relating to graffiti.
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 2 of 13
March 1, 2014
1. Awareness
Develop broad community awareness about the issue of graffiti so that members of the
community are equipped and empowered to respond.
Awareness Objectives
1. Develop communication tools that highlight graffiti programs.
2. Send the message to the media highlighting the positive steps being made, such as
cleanup days.
3. Support educational programs to Police officers and community groups regarding the issue
of graffiti
4. Clarify the appropriate ways to report graffiti vandalism (see Attachment 3. Graffiti Reporting
Protocol)
1.
#
1.1.1
1.2.1
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.4.1
Awareness Action Items
Actions
Outcomes
Develop
communication
tools that highlight
graffiti programs.
Issue press
releases relating
to graffiti
Present
information to
residents and
members of the
community
Present
information to
Detachment and
neighbouring
detachment
members.
Pursue
educational
opportunities to
engage youth
about graffiti
impacts (e.g. art
projects)
Metrics
Lead
Timeline
Resources*
Ability to pass on
presentations to any
officer or member of
NGTF.
Greater awareness
about graffiti in the
community
Awareness of graffiti
management
programs increase
amongst residents
Track the
number of
presentations
given.
# of graffiti
articles in media
RCMP
On-going
10 hours a
month
CS
1-2 times
annually
10 hours
annually
Track # of
presentations
and number of
attendees
NGTF
Aux
On-going
2-3 hours
every 3
months
Broadened the
awareness of graffiti
and effective
investigation
methods.
Track # of
training events
with sign-up
sheets/
RCMP
On-going
2 hours a
month
starting in
Spring
Positive engagement
with youth
# of
presentations
made and
programs
implemented
RCMP
On-going
2-4 hours a
month
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 3 of 13
March 1, 2014
2. Abatement
Increase efforts to minimize opportunities for graffiti vandalism
on both public and private property.
Prevention Objectives
1. Encourage the quick removal of graffiti prior to accumulation on both public and private property
2. Increase the use of anti-graffiti coatings and decorative wraps on problematic infrastructure
3. Address problematic areas through access management and site control
4. Support the installation of murals and street art
5. Increase deterrents for vandals through the use of innovative technologies where appropriate
6. Enhance partnerships with the community, businesses and property owners
2.
#
2.1.1
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.3.1
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.5.1
2.6.1
Prevention Action Items
Actions
Outcomes
Encourage quick
removal prior to
accumulation
Apply decorative
wraps or stencils to
City infrastructure
Promote appropriate
graffiti coatings to be
used in various
situations
Address access
control issues in
problematic
locations
Support mural
programs in
problematic
locations
Street art
installations
Explore innovative
technologies (e.g.
sprinklers)
Enhance
partnerships with the
community.
Metrics
Lead
Timeline
Resources
Audit
problematic
locations
# of wraps
installed
RCMP /
BYLAW
On-going
10 hours a
month
PW
Track # of
buildings using
graffiti coatings
Aux
As needed
and where
funded
On-going
$, design
and install
time
2 hours a
month
Reduction in
vandalism that
occurs at
problem areas
Track # of new
murals each
year
RCMP
On-going
2-3 hours a
month
RCMP
On-going
50 hours
annually
Cover chronic
tagging sites;
refocus street
artists
Deters vandals
# of legitimate
street art pieces
that are
displayed
Conduct pilot
programs
P&R
On-going
Unknown
estimate
On-going
1-2 hours a
month
Increased
partnerships with
the community.
Anecdotal
P& R,
PW,
Bylaw
RCMP /
Bylaw
On-going
2-3 hours a
month
Further
accumulation of
graffiti less likely
City infrastructure
is tagged less and
easier to clean.
Information
provided to
owners on the
best options
available
Reduced repeat
graffiti on buildings
and rooftops
Reduction in # of
problem areas
with prolific graffiti
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 4 of 13
March 1, 2014
3. Remediation
Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of removing graffiti
on both public and private property.
Remediation Objectives
1. Maintain priority areas as graffiti free
2. Decrease the response time for City staff to address graffiti on City property
3. Decrease the response time for private property owners to address graffiti on their property
4. Support and enhance dedicated graffiti removal initiatives
5. Increase participation from paint retailers and graffiti removal service providers
#
3. Remediation Action Items
Actions
Outcomes
3.1.1
Maintain all
Skateparks as
graffiti free
3.2.1
Remove graffiti on
City infrastructure
and property
corresponding
with Priorities Map
Partner with utility
companies to
address their
infrastructure
Support DNBIA
graffiti removal
program
Develop graffiti
removal program
for outside DNBIA
boundary
Support volunteer
program to paint
over graffiti
Distribute NGTF
paint kits to
residents
3.3.1
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
Sponsor
community paint
out events
Partner with
graffiti removal
service providers
Partner with paint
retailers
Metrics
Lead
Timeline
Resources
Create a positive
atmosphere for
the park,
minimizes bleed
out to area
Priority areas
cleaned quickly
Reports from park
hosts relating to other
forms of delinquency
such as litter and
fighting
Track budget for time
and money spent on
graffiti removal
P & R,
Bylaw
On-going
Parks:
$40,000
budget
annually
PW, P &
R
On-going
Public
Works:
$18,000.
annually
Infrastructure
maintained to a
higher standard
Track amount of
infrastructure that has
graffiti
NGTF
On-going
1-2 hours a
month
Greater response
time for removal
Amount of tags
removed on annual
basis
Amount of tags
removed on annual
basis
DNBIA
On-going
DNBIA
figures
Block
NGTF
Winter
2014
Audit priority areas
NGTF
Block
On-going
NGTF
# of paint kits
distributed
NGTF
Bylaw
RCMP
Spring
2014 and
ongoing
# of events held per
year, # of volunteer
hours
# of businesses that
access service and
amount saved
Amount purchased at
discounted rate
NGTF
RCMP
Aux
Bylaw
NGTF
On-going
$4000
(NGTF and
Public
Works)
See 3.4.3
Other central
neighbourhoods
receive support
Improved
appearance of
City where not
feasible for staff
Reduced
response time for
removal
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 5 of 13
NGTF
Confirm in
Summer
2014
On-going
Figures to be
brought by
DNBIA
10 hours
annually
10 hours
annually
March 1, 2014
4. Enforcement
Increase efforts to deter vandals through effective apprehension and repercussions, and
increase accountability for private property owners to maintain a graffiti free property.
Enforcement objectives
1. Police to take a proactive and coordinated approach to enforcement; maintaining a
database of known and suspected graffiti vandals and problem locations
2. Adopt an appropriate enforcement protocol (see Attachment 4: Graffiti Vandal Enforcement
Options)
3. Partner with Restorative Justice, alternative sentencing and probation officers
4. Pursue appropriate sentencing for prolific vandals and/or Bylaw tickets for lesser vandals.
5. Educate detachment members on investigation methods and report writing.
6. Educate neighboring detachments on graffiti investigations to ensure a coordinated effort.
7. Intelligence share with neighboring detachments to coordinate enforcement.
4. Enforcement Action Items
# Actions
Outcomes
4.1.1 Maintain a database
of known and
suspected graffiti
vandals and
locations
4.2.1 Adopt an appropriate
enforcement
protocol.
4.3.1 Partner with
Restorative Justice
program to work with
vandals
4.4.1 Pursue appropriate
sentencing for prolific
vandals
4.5.1 Promote proactive
policing by providing
training and
guidance to
members.
4.6.1 Educate
neighbouring
detachments on
effective graffiti
investigations.
4.7.1 Intelligence share
graffiti investigators.
Metrics
Lead
Timeline
Resources
Supports
enforcement
decision making
Track # of
active known
and unknown
vandals
RCMP
On-going
20 hours a
month
Ensures a
detachment
wide cohesive
approach
Vandals are
steered away
from criminal
activity
Increase
deterrents for
prolific vandals
Better quality of
initial
investigation
making followup more
effective.
Effective and
coordinated
policing
eliminating
graffiti
Review graffiti
files and ensure
protocol is
used.
Track # of RJ
participants in
response to
requests
Track outcomes
of each case
RCMP
On-going
10 hours a
month
Aux
As needed
10-20 hours
annually
RCMP
As needed
30 hours
annually
Track the
increase in
graffiti file
numbers
RCMP
On-going
10 hours a
month
Track the
amount of
outside
detachment
training
provided.
Records from
meetings
RCMP
On-going
20 hours
annually
RCMP
On-going
40 hours
annually
Greater
success with
enforcement
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 6 of 13
March 1, 2014
5. Policy
Address policy and bylaw deficiencies relating to graffiti.
Policy Objectives
1. Identify and address policy issues that relate to the graffiti management programs
2. Update City bylaws and policies relating to graffiti and murals
5. Policy and Bylaws Action Items
#
Actions
Outcomes
5.1.1
5.2.1
Track outcome of
Private Use of
Public Space policy
– particularly
relating to magazine
and news kiosks
Update Property
Maintenance Bylaw
relating to graffiti
and murals
Metrics
Lead
Timeline
Resources
Reduced graffiti
on newspaper
boxes
Track
amount of
graffiti on
newspaper
boxes
DNBIA,
Bylaw, Block
Fall 2014
2-3 hours
total
Eliminates
opportunity for
property
owners to allow
graffiti on their
property
Track # of
properties
that used to
but no
longer allow
graffiti
Bylaw
Block
Winter 2014
30-40 hours
total
Bylaw. – Nanaimo Bylaw Department
RCMP – Nanaimo RCMP
CS - Crimestoppers
P & R – Parks and Recreation
DNBIA – Downtown Nan Business
Association.
NGTF – Nanaimo Graffiti Task Force
PW – Public Works
Block – Block Watch
Aux – RCMP Auxiliary
2014 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 7 of 13
March 1, 2014
Evaluation
In order to monitor the overall effectiveness of this strategy, biannual audits will be completed in
identified priority areas. These audits will include counting the number of graffiti files, problem
walls and signs of graffiti vandalism that are visible from the public right of way.
Audit information will be used to identify required improvements in the graffiti management
program and to report progress to senior management and City Council.
Action items will also be tracked in order to ensure that they are being completed as prescribed.
Conclusion
This strategy is intended to guide a comprehensive approach for optimizing the effectiveness and
efficiency of the RCMP and City of Nanaimo’s response to graffiti vandalism. The on-going
implementation of these actions will lead to a reduction of graffiti and an improvement in the quality
of life for residents and an improved environment for businesses in Nanaimo.
2013 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 8 of 13
May 10th, 2013
Attachment 1. Graffiti Priority Area
2013 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 9 of 13
May 10th, 2013
Attachment 2. Action Items for Each Lead or Support Section
Nanaimo RCMP
#
Action Item
1.1.1
1.3.2
1.4.1
2.1.1
2.4.1
2.6.1
3.4.5
4.1.1
4.2.1
4.4.1
4.5.1
4.6.1
4.7.1
Develop communication tools that highlight graffiti programs.
Present training to members and local detachments.
Pursue educational opportunities to engage youth and graffiti impacts.
Encourage quick removal prior to accumulation.
Support mural programs.
Enhance partnerships with the community.
Sponsor community paint-out events.
Maintain a database of known and suspected vandals and locations
Adopt an appropriate enforcement protocol.
Pursue appropriate sentencing for prolific vandals.
Promote proactive policing by providing training and guidance to members,
Educate neighbouring detachments.
Intelligence share with other graffiti investigators.
Bylaw & Licensing Services
#
Action Item
2.1.1
2.5.1
2.6.1
3.1.1
3.4.4
3.5.1
5.1.1
5.2.1
Encourage quick removal prior to accumulation.
Explore innovative technologies.
Enhance partnerships with the community.
Maintain all skate parks as graffiti free.
Distribute NGTF paint kits to residents.
Partner with graffiti removal service providers.
Track outcome of Private Use of Public Space policy
Update Property Maintenance Bylaw relating to graffiti and murals.
Public Works
#
Action Item
2.2.1
2.3.1
2.5.1
3.2.1
Apply decorative wraps or stencils to problematic City infrastructure
Address access control issues in problematic locations.
Explore innovative technologies.
Remove graffiti on City infrastructure and property according to timelines set out for priorities map
Parks and Recreation
#
Action Item
2.4.2
2.5.1
3.1.1
3.2.1
Street art instillations.
Explore innovative technologies.
Remove graffiti within City Parks
Remove graffiti on city infrastructure and property corresponding with priorities map.
2013 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 10 of 13
May 10th, 2013
Auxiliary Program
#
Action Item
1.3.1
2.2.2
3.4.5
4.3.1
Present information to residents and members of the community.
Promote appropriate graffiti coatings to be used in various situations
Sponsor community paint-out events.
Partner with Restorative Justice program to work with vandals.
Downtown Nanaimo Business Association
#
Action Item
1.1.1
3.4.1
3.4.4
5.1.1
Develop communication tools that highlight graffiti programs.
Support DNBIA graffiti removal program
Distribute NGTF paint kids to residents.
Track outcome of Private Use of Public Space policy.
Crime Stoppers
#
Action Item
1.2.1
Issue press releases relating to graffiti.
Block Watch
#
Action Item
3.4.2
3.4.3
5.1.1
5.2.1
Develop graffiti removal program for outside DNBIA boundary
Distribute NGTF paint kits to residents
Track outcomes of Private Use of Public Space policy
Track outcome of Private Use of Public Space policy - particularly relating to magazine kiosks.
Nanaimo Graffiti Task Force
#
Action Item
1.3.1
3.3.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
5.2.1
5.3.1
Develop communication tools that highlight graffiti programs.
Partner with utility companies to address their infrastructure.
Develop graffiti removal program for outside DNBIA boundary
Support volunteer program to paint over graffiti
Distribute NGTF paint kits to residents
Sponsor Community paint-out events.
Partner with graffiti removal service providers
Partner with paint retailers.
Update Property Maintenance Bylaw relating to graffiti and murals
Assist in the development of a Pole Art Policy
2013 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 11 of 13
May 10th, 2013
Attachment 3. Graffiti Reporting Protocol
2013 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 12 of 13
May 10th, 2013
Attachment 4. Graffiti Vandal Enforcement Options
2013 Graffiti Management Strategy
Page 13 of 13
May 10th, 2013
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