Graffiti Cameras Are Already Catching Taggers

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Story Published: Jun 16, 2009 at 6:43 PM PDT

By David Klugh

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YAKIMA -- It's hard to turn a corner in some parts of Yakima without seeing the tags. The only thing that has been harder is catching those responsible. That was before the city started deploying these high tech warriors -- wireless, digital cameras -- motion activated and nearly foolproof.

Chief, Sam Granato insists, "Wherever we use them, the graffiti stops. It stops!"
It stops because this new "mounted" patrol is pretty smart -- first getting the attention of the suspected tagger with a flash and a vocal warning -- then snapping a few high resolution, digital pictures for detectives to add to their album of suspected taggers.
One photo show a tagger who never finished his work -- surprised by the flash and the voice from above.

It's as simple as that. A photograph is taken. If the individual the camera has taken the picture of decides to stick around and tag, well, cops have an instant mug shot. If he decides to to leave, no harm done.

For those who spend countless hours covering what taggers so proudly post, these cameras are a God send.

"It's already done its job as far as that because I was painting out graffiti once sometimes twice a week," says Gary Fairbanks, the owner of Fairbanks Outfitters.

Sometimes you just stumble on the solution to a problem that seemed insurmountable just a month ago. YPD is hoping that's what's happening here.
The cameras now in operation in Yakima were bought through a federal grant.
If they continue to have the same success, the Chief says he'll buy more as time goes on and money becomes available.
The police department could someday offer these cameras to business and homeowners throughout Yakima at a cost of about $600.
Police would then montior them for free.

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