Not All Graffiti taggers are gang members, but the cost to society is extensive!
In 2009 The Federal Bureau of Investigation released a shocking study on the impact and spread of criminal street gangs in Utah. 2009 Threat Assessment stated the huge growth of criminal gangs. As a Non Paid community activist, gang researcher with an ongoing study 2005 to present, I see lots of gang and tagger vandalism and understand also the crime which is linked to the graffiti. For those who are clueless I ask that you contact your local sheriff or police agency and learn more about gangs in your community. We must also hold accountable the Utah Legislature and elected officials including prosecuting attorneys who are not doing as much as should be done to help deter the problem in our entire State.
*Gang and Tagger Vandals need to be prosecuted fully under new very effective laws. What I see as a non paid volunteer is non prosecution by many prosecuting attorneys, when the cops identify them by their street moniker (street name well established) and distinctive style, then they need to be prosecuted if there is enough evidence.Graffiti is widespread and promoted by websites and online networks, it is sanctioned with bombing raids and criminal groups which promote the activity.One tagger can and frequently does extensive damage to single and multiple communities which impact private property,public property,and infrastructure.*
Funding is available with a large tax on every can of spray paint sold. I ask parents to be truthful on this, how many spray paint cans did you buy this year for legitimate projects? Cheap Spray Paint cans everywhere, many unlocked and carelessly sold! There needs to be accountability for every spray paint sold, unfortunately too many cans are on open shelves and people are not tracking identification or requiring it on purchases.Monitoring and taxation of aerosol spray paint cans in itself is not fully effective, however it would be a positive improvement both in municipal and State taxes as well as a deterrent.*
*Gang and Tagger Vandals need to be prosecuted fully under new very effective laws. What I see as a non paid volunteer is non prosecution by many prosecuting attorneys, when the cops identify them by their street moniker and distinctive style then they need to be prosecuted. * Funding is available with a large tax on every can of spray paint sold.Also there needs to be accountability for every spray paint sold, unfortunately too many cans are on open shelves and people are not tracking identification or requiring it on purchases.Monitoring and taxation of aerosol spray paint cans in itself is not fully effective, however it would be a positive improvement both in municipal and State taxes as well as a deterrent.*
*As a non paid gang and gang graffiti researcher I have been studying the spread of graffiti both gang and tag crew since 2005. The cost to citizens and communities is extensive. The cost to people who clean up the mess on their own is extensive. I encourage parents and communities to be aware of the ongoing gang conflicts and spread of criminal gangs in Utah. The presence of gangs is very noticeable everywhere in the State. I see many school districts doing very little to deter the influence and spread of gangs on and near public school property. These school districts continue to not enforce dress code and gang related involvement.
The presence of gangs is very noticeable everywhere in the State.
* I see many school districts doing very little to deter the influence and spread of gangs on and near public school property. These school districts continue to not enforce dress code and gang related involvement. School districts may complain that they do not know what gang related attire is, I direct them to their local gang unit. Parents can also learn about what their teenagers are into by looking at graffiti on notebooks,room decor, backpacks and being aware of what specific colors dominate their teenagers apparel. *
This may be confusing to parents who can just think that their teens are being fashionable - The mixture of culture and hip hop street style and gang presence and gangs flying colors:
There are gangs which also mimic sports team logos and musical groups and rap artists. If Jill or Johnny is listening to all rap music with Lil Wayne,Tupac,Young Jeezy,and established Blood Gang affiliates and members then Johnny might be part of or influenced by Bloods clothes worn to the right. Crips music made famous by Snoop Dogg and many other artists, and Crips Blue White and very present in Utah also clothes worn to the left. Nortenos Nuestra Familia in Utah is your child repping (representing)14 or Northern California,is red and black dominant in the closet? Surenos Southern California Sur 13 So Cal blue and white usually sky blue and white. Juggalos and Juggalettes not to be confused with the Insane Clown Posse musical followers, but if the Hatchet Warrior is in control in your childs room then you as a parent are probably not. Not all followers of music groups or fashion are gang members however there are well established correlations.
Most Counties have a Sheriff Department website which will provide more information links to parents who are concerned about their child's gang involvement. Remember parents gang involvement starts off subtle and at a very young age. Many of the Utah gang members are Caucasian. I will clarify this as a Caucasian, do not blame the other ethnicities and gang related crime just on other races an overview of the Utah State Prison or Utah Criminal Justice System will clarify this quickly.
