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