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Catching someone in the act of spray-painting graffiti is often difficult.
It can also be hard to get a property owner to clean it up.
But the Spokane Valley City Council plans to take steps to address both issues.
Those who commit graffiti crimes and those who refuse to remove it are targeted under a new ordinance under consideration by the city government. Council members unanimously approved a first reading of the ordinance last week and plan to make the law official at their Dec. 9 meeting.
“It’s a comprehensive approach of combating graffiti,” Council Member Steve Taylor said at the Nov. 18 meeting when the issue was discussed.
Under the existing system, city officials admit there are limited legal means of dealing with the problem. Occasionally, perpetrators are caught in the act and charged with malicious mischief. All too often, however, graffiti isn’t noticed until after the fact.
Graffiti is a particularly difficult problem, say law-enforcement officials, because if it is allowed to remain it will simply encourage more offenders. While most victims are quick to paint over their defaced property, some are unwilling or unable to do the job.
Others, Taylor said, may be afraid to get rid of graffiti, perceiving that if it was made by gang members they could retaliate.
Under the revised code, property owners would be monitored by city code-enforcement officers to make sure the graffiti is removed. If not done in a timely fashion, fees starting at $500 could be levied.
But Council Member Bill Gothmann said he was “very pleased” with the drafted ordinance because it will allow for volunteer groups to be contacted to do the clean-up, with property owners’ permission. That assistance would be coordinated through the Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort with the help of the sheriff’s Gang Enforcement Team.
Also, juvenile offenders processed through the Neighborhood Accountability Board Diversion Program could be assigned community service to do the work.
Mayor Richard Munson reminded council members that affected property owners are the victims of graffiti and shouldn’t be treated too harshly.
“We want to mitigate, not litigate,” he said.
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By
Mike Huffman
