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1. Does graffiti mean I have gangs in my neighborhood?

Not necessarily. Although gangs do use graffiti to communicate, most graffiti is not gang related.

There are three basic types of graffiti:

• Graffiti done by taggers or tagging crews - In some circles graffiti is considered the creation of art. While just as damaging, these individuals seldom have any agenda beyond expressing their creativity.
• Graffiti done by vandals - In many cases, these are the same individuals who would slash vehicle tires, break windows or damage mailboxes.
• Gang-related graffiti - While uncommon in our own community, it is particularly prevalent and damaging in certain major east and west coast cities.

2. How can I tell the difference between these three types of graffiti?

You probably can’t. One type of graffiti usually looks much like another. Gangs and taggers alike use their own preferred colors, signatures, symbols or names. Certain major street gangs identify themselves by wearing certain colors and use these same colors in their graffiti to intentionally identify themselves. Vandal graffiti is often obscene and anonymous. These are very general descriptions and any type of graffiti may take on the characteristics of the other types. The content being communicated is not generally discernible to the average person. Specialized police courses are available which instruct our detectives to draw conclusions based on information gained in previous investigations.

3. My fence keeps getting painted with graffiti. Does this mean I've been targeted by a gang?

Probably not. Most graffiti should not be taken personally. If you have graffiti on your property, it may simply be that your property is convenient to paint on. Don't assume you've been singled out. Also, do not be afraid to remove the graffiti from your property. Graffiti writers almost never retaliate against property owners.

You should, however, report incidents of graffiti on your property to 9-1-1. This will generate a police report and help the Police Department track activity patterns. That, in turn, influences our decisions on how to deploy our resources. Finally, experience shows that when graffiti is swiftly removed, within 48 hours of its occurrence, it is less likely to show up again in the same location. If the goal of the perpetrator is to gain attention, let’s deny them that and encourage them to move elsewhere.

4. What should I do if I see someone painting graffiti?

Call 9-1-1. Do not try to confront someone painting graffiti. Whether or not it is a gang or a gang member, the person doing it is willfully violating the law and should be considered potentially dangerous. Call 9-1-1. Your police will handle it.

5. If someone is caught painting graffiti will they be arrested, and what is the punishment?

Yes, they can be arrested and charged just like any other criminal. The punishment for someone convicted of criminal mischief (graffiti) depends on the amount of damage caused. For damage under $50, the crime is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The maximum penalty, for damage of $200,000 or more, is a First Degree Felony, punishable by a minimum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 (Texas Penal Code, 28.08).

6. Is it illegal for minors to purchase spray paint?

Yes, businesses that sell products marked "vapor harmful", including spray paints, are required to prominently display a sign that reads: "It is unlawful for a person to sell or deliver an unusable volatile chemical to a person less than 18 years of age. Except in limited situations, such an offense is a State Jail Felony."