Editing Graffiti (section)

==== Hotlines and reward programs ====

To help address many of these issues, many local jurisdictions have set up graffiti abatement hotlines, where citizens can call in and report vandalism and have it removed. San Diego's hotline receives more than 5,000 calls per year, in addition to reporting the graffiti, callers can learn more about prevention. One of the complaints about these hotlines is the response time; there is often a lag time between a property owner calling about the graffiti and its removal. The length of delay should be a consideration for any jurisdiction planning on operating a hotline. Local jurisdictions must convince the callers that their complaint of vandalism will be a priority and cleaned off right away. If the jurisdiction does not have the resources to respond to complaints in a timely manner, the value of the hotline diminishes. Crews must be able to respond to individual service calls made to the graffiti hotline as well as focus on cleanup near schools, parks, and major intersections and transit routes to have the biggest impact. Some cities offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of suspects for tagging or graffiti related vandalism. The amount of the reward is based on the information provided, and the action taken.<ref name=lawtec>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lawtechcustompublishing.com/publication.asp?pid=47 |title=gang |work=Gangs: Theory, Practice and Research |first=Matthew |last=O'Deane |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305003323/http://www.lawtechcustompublishing.com/publication.asp?pid=47 |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref>