A: Yes, the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance - Chapter 39 Article2 Section 39-10.

Q: What are the penalties for someone caught creating graffiti?

A: They could be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a term of not less than 48 hours in jail and not less than 80 hours of community service. In addition to any other punishment the court can order restitution to the victim for damage or loss caused by directly or indirectly by the defendant's offense.

Q: Why should I be concerned about graffiti in my neighborhood?

A: Graffiti has shown to reduce property values and sends a message if left untouched that the neighborhood does not care, which often results in more blight occurring in the neighborhood.

Q: What is the difference between graffiti and tagging?

A: Graffiti, as defined by the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, is: "Initials, slogans, designs or drawings, written, spray-painted, etched or sketched on a sidewalk, wall, building, fence, sign, or any other structure or surface without the consent of the owner and visible from the public right of way."

Tagging is a form of graffiti representing a person or group (crew) seeking to get their initials placed in as many locations as possible.

Q: Who can I call to remove graffiti/tagging in my neighborhood?

A: Many neighborhoods have organized themselves to remove graffiti in their neighborhoods because they can remove it faster than city crews. Graffiti Busters can provide free paint and supplies to interested neighborhoods and paint sprayer training. If interested call 602-495-0323.

Graffiti Busters also respond to complaints and residents can report a complaint by calling 602-495-7014 or by sending in an e-mail with the location to graffiti.busters.nsd@phoenix.gov.

Q: Should I call those same numbers if I see someone in the act of doing graffiti?

A: No. If you see someone in the act of doing graffiti call 9-1-1 and the police will respond. It is considered a Priority 1 call because graffiti vandals can do so much damage in a very short time.

Q: At what age is it legal to purchase spray paint?

A: 18

Q: I'm a retailer - how do I find out what my responsibilities are regarding securing spray paint or other items that could be used to produce graffiti?

A: Contact the Neighborhood Preservation Office at 602-262-7844.

Q: What are the penalties for businesses found non-compliant with the ordinance?

A: A person found violating this ordinance is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500.

Q: If my own personal property gets vandalized by graffiti, whom should I call?

A: If you have been the victim of graffiti vandalism, please contact the Crime Stop hotline at 602-262-6151 and report the crime. The report may be taken over the telephone OR an officer may be sent to your location, depending on the type of incident. It is important to file police reports on all crimes that occur, no matter how minor they may seem at the moment. Filing a report helps us develop a true picture of what is happening in your neighborhood.

Graffiti Busters can assist in the removal, and they will also leave paint and supplies for future cleanup; however, a permission slip needs to be on file before Graffiti Busters will remove graffiti from private property. Contact Graffiti Busters at 602-495-7014 for additional information.

Q: I've witnessed someone tagging the side of a business in my neighborhood and it's someone who lives down the block from me. I'd like to report them but I don't want to give my name. What can I do?

A: The city of Phoenix has a Graffiti Reward Hotline for anonymous calls. Contact 602-262-7327 and earn up to $250 for information leading to the arrest or parental intervention of a graffiti vandal.

Q: My neighborhood Block Watch would like to schedule a day where we paint over all graffiti in our area, but don't have the money for paint or supplies. Can the city help us?

A: Graffiti Busters will provide all the necessary paint and supplies to any neighborhood or community group willing to remove graffiti. Contact 602-495-0323 to place your reservation.

Q: We've just established a neighborhood group and want to know all we can about graffiti. Is there any special training or classes available for groups like ours?

A: Graffiti Busters will come out to share information about the programs that the Graffiti Busters provide as well as bring paint sprayer training to neighborhoods. Contact Graffiti Busters at 602-495-0323 to arrange a presentation.

Q: Are there any non-profit organizations out there that can help my neighborhood with additional resources?

A: Make a Difference brings volunteers together to help groups clean up their neighborhoods. It would be good to visit the Neighborhood Services Department's Graffiti Busters Web site at http://phoenix.gov/NBHDPGMS/grafbust.html to obtain more information and then follow the link to Make a Difference Web site at http://www.makeadifference.org/.