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In December, the Spokane Valley City Council voted to add graffiti to a list of violations under the municipal code.
Now, citizens are being asked to do their part in keeping the slate clean.
Under the new ordinance, property owners are required to remove graffiti from homes and businesses or face a $500 fine. Residents can file reports by calling Crime Check at 456-2233. Those who identify graffiti should take pictures of the damage, call authorities and remove graffiti as soon as possible, according to Eric Walker, graffiti abatement coordinator for Spokane County’s Putting Out Graffiti (P.O.G.) program.
“The citizens have a responsibility to help with this effort,” Walker said. “The longer graffiti stays around, the worse the problem gets. If you don’t take steps to remove it you’re giving the impression that you don’t care. The other side wants you to give up.”
There were 125 graffiti incidents reported in Spokane Valley last year resulting in approximately $30,000 in property damage mostly involving commercial buildings. The city of Spokane had 481 reports in 2008.
Walker said a small number of incidents – less than 10 percent – are associated with gang activity.
Spokane Valley will distribute a municipal brochure about graffiti removal later this month according to city spokeswoman Carolbelle Branch. The literature will include information about the new ordinance and be available at a number of area locations including Spokane Valley City Hall, CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point and the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.
When the legislation was first introduced last November, city officials made it clear that the goal would be to work with citizens to address the problem. Leaders applauded the work of city staff to coordinate volunteer agencies that could help elderly and disabled residents who may face challenges in removing damage to their homes or businesses.
“I think it’s a good system, and it’s going to be a big help to our city,” said Council Member Bill Gothmann.
Rick Scott, executive director of the Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort said having Walker on board has already paid dividends. Walker was hired last October as part of a state grant to develop an areawide graffiti awareness strategy.
“It’s good to have someone who can coordinate this program,” Scott said. “Eric is doing a good job of putting these resources together.”
Walker said the emphasis is on “building a sustainable program that will be around even if the grant doesn’t get renewed.”
Scott explained that SCOPE volunteers work with property owners to address graffiti problems, but are not involved in any direct removal. The city of Spokane’s rendition of SCOPE – Community Oriented Policing Services – provides support for similar efforts to the west.
Scott emphasized the importance of establishing constructive opportunities for kids who may be involved in graffiti, pointing to a community art project several years ago that involved the painting of an underpass in the Edgecliff area.
“The education part is vital,” Scott said. “Having positive activities will help reduce incidents like this.”
Walker pointed to three arrests in Spokane Valley last month as an indication that the program is taking hold.
“When there is awareness out there, crimes are reduced,” he said. “This fits right into that community-policing approach where citizens are informed and they’re helping to keep their neighborhoods safe.”
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By
Craig Howard
