Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Graffiti is the most costly property crime in southern Nevada. Each year more than 30 million dollars in public and private funds are spent fighting graffiti in southern Nevada.
Graffiti dramatically reduces property values and accelerates neighborhood decay.
The LVMPD is the 1st law enforcement agency in the western U.S. to utilize detectives who specialize in graffiti investigations. The LVMPD first began conducting proactive investigations of graffiti vandals in 1993.
The LVMPD is the 1st police department in the U.S. to implement anti-graffiti education through the DARE Program.
In 2007 LVMPD officers made more than 500 graffiti related arrests.
In 2007 the LVMPD successfully submitted for important changes to the state of Nevada’s graffiti law. These changes have dramatically aided in the investigation and arrest of graffiti vandals in southern Nevada.
The LVMPD is a leader in the area of graffiti investigations and provides training to local, state and federal law enforcement officers nationwide.

WHERE DOES GRAFFITI COME FROM?

While street gangs use graffiti as a form of communication and a tool for the marking of territory, the vast majority of graffiti is placed by graffiti vandals, or “taggers.” These taggers often form groups called “tag crews.” These tag crews fit the legal definition of a gang and are subject to gang enhanced prosecution.
The primary motivation of graffiti vandals is “fame,” or recognition for placing graffiti by other vandals. This is accomplished by placing large amounts of destructive graffiti, often in difficult locations which are highly visible such as freeway overpasses.
Graffiti is a “gateway crime.” Involvement in graffiti often leads to involvement in other types of crime. LVMPD officers often arrest graffiti vandals who over time become involved in other types of crime, including crimes of violence.
While spray paint is the most popular method of placing graffiti, graffiti vandals also use markers, etching tools and acid. Clark County and the City of Las Vegas currently have statutes regulating possession of these items by minors. Possession of these items is also regulated by the State of Nevada for persons of any age under certain circumstances.
The attitude of most graffiti vandals is that they want to destroy as much property as possible. Many vandals claim to be addicted and unable to stop themselves from continuing to place graffiti.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you see someone placing graffiti call 911. This is a crime in progress and officers must be dispatched. Do not approach the vandal because many are violent and carry weapons. Stopping a graffiti vandal is never worth jeopardizing your safety, always call police.
If you wish to have a police report for graffiti made stop by your nearest LVMPD Area Command. Making a report is quick and easy. This will result in your case being assigned to a detective for possible follow-up investigation.
If you want graffiti removed from you neighborhood contact the Graffiti Hotline at 455-4509. This hotline covers Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and all areas of unincorporated Clark County. Paint and supplies are also available in some areas if you would like to remove the graffiti yourself.
If you wish to report a graffiti vandal and prefer to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555. You may be eligible for a cash award if an arrest is made.

Our 1st Annual RTC/DARE Bus wrap contest was a great success. The winning artist was from Lynch Elementary School. The bus will run for one year and as you can see it came out great. A huge thanks goes out to all the agencies and people who made this happen. This event marks the beginning of Nevada Graffiti Awareness Month (April) and profiles Southern Nevada and the LVMPD as the 1st in the nation to implement anti-graffiti education to children through DARE. It's the 1st of several new programs that we will be implementing in the fight against graffiti vandalism. Thanks Again to everyone involved!