Republished from December 2007 Looking at Lakewood
Graffiti Task Force Tackles Problem from Several Fronts

Report Graffiti Online Now

The City has joined forces with citizens and other organizations to tackle the surge in graffiti that metro-area cities including Lakewood have experienced.

Earlier this year, the Graffiti Task Force was formed, and the goal was "to develop a coordinated and effective method to prevent, report, enforce, and mitigate graffiti" in Lakewood. Made up of interested citizens, council members, and representatives from several City departments, the task force was divided into four major subcommittees to develop solutions on several fronts.

The Reporting Team has developed a more coordinated and streamlined method of reporting and responding to graffiti offenses that is less confusing to citizens and results in much faster cleanup. Citizens can now report graffiti online at www.Lakewood.org or by phone at 303-987-7111. Their reports are now forwarded to the proper cleanup authority much more quickly. In addition, a team of citizen volunteers is assisting the Police Department by taking photographs of graffiti soon after citizens file a report, assisting police in tracking and documenting graffiti issues.

The Reward Program Team, composed primarily of members of the local business community, has developed a viable reward program that is soon to be launched. The program will provide incentives and rewards for individuals who come forward with information on graffiti offenders and will work with police detectives and the schools.

The Mitigation/Enforcement Team has clarified and coordinated the various entities responsible for ensuring that graffiti gets cleaned up. Studies consistently show that the efficient and speedy removal of graffiti is a significant deterrent, and it sends a bold community message that graffiti will not be tolerated. Lakewood's Public Works Department now has the responsibility for cleaning up graffiti on public property, and Lakewood's Community Resources Department cleans graffiti in all City parks. While home and business owners are still required by City law to clean up graffiti on their property within five days of receiving a notice, that requirement often makes citizens feel that they are being victimized twice - first by the "tagger," then by the burden of the law. The Graffiti Task Force and the Lakewood City Council are currently exploring the role that City government might have in relieving some of that burden.

Finally, the Prevention/Public Awareness Team will develop prevention materials for home and business owners, provide education for parents on the problem of graffiti, and help publicize the action steps recommended by the other subcommittees.

The Graffiti Task Force recently presented its recommendations to the City Council. A number of new City laws might be considered, including one prohibiting the possession of graffiti materials by juveniles. Tougher penalties also might be considered as well as the hiring of a graffiti coordinator who would oversee the City's response to the problem.

Under the leadership of Lakewood City Council members Sue King and Ed Peterson, as well as Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez, the Lakewood and Denver Police departments are working closely on some key enforcement efforts along the shared border of Sheridan Boulevard. Active cleanup and surveillance operations are taking place, aided by the use of citizen volunteers, cameras, and graffiti detection equipment. The Alameda Gateway Community Association, under the leadership of Executive Director George Valuck, has generously provided much of the equipment currently being used by Lakewood Police. The City also is an active member of a number of other metro-wide graffiti task forces currently working on legislation to solve this problem.

By working together with citizens, the business community, and other agencies, the City is confident that we can have an impact on the graffiti problem in our community.