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BLURRING LINE BETWEEN TAGGERS AND GANG-BANGERS

NCJ Number
145579
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Dated: (November 1993-January 1994) Pages: 21-24
Author(s)
M O'Deane; K French
Date Published
1993
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Graffiti is a growing problem in San Diego County, its practitioners wreaking economic havoc and causing neighborhood blight. In addition, these practitioners, called taggers, use their mobility to take gang crime beyond the confines of their turf.
Abstract
Graffiti as a civic phenomenon started in the summer of 1970 in New York City, when a messenger began writing his name all over the city. After the New York Times wrote an article about him in 1971 others began spray-painting their names and distinctive artwork throughout the city. They adopted nicknames, known as "tags," and attempted to write them in as many places as possible. Tagging has become a subculture, with its own magazines, films, organized parties, jewelry, and store chains and has spread to other cities, including San Diego. Crews of taggers numbering from two to 200 have emerged as an alternative to the gang lifestyle. Drawn from all racial and economic backgrounds, crews can associate with each other without violence. However, rivalries do occur, and are settled in "battles," contests of damage inflicted between boundaries. Taggers generally work under cover of darkness, but they deface whenever they have the opportunity. Their targets must be visible to many people and must be in an area where they will remain for a long time. For officers dealing with taggers, the most important thing to know is their terminology. In addition, officers should separate them, question them individually, and search their books, papers, and clothing for identification of the tagger and associates. The San Diego Police Department has begun documenting taggers, similar to the way gang members are tracked. Eventually, it will be possible to identify a suspect by his tag and/or crew name. The nuisance value of property-marring vandalism has given way to violence as tagging crews arm themselves for protection from gang members or rival crews or even citizens who get in the way. Taggers have also aligned themselves with some gangs for protection. It is important to attack these vandals every way possible, beginning with the "it's just tagging" mindset of some in government, law enforcement, and the judiciary. The article includes a partial glossary of common tagger terms.

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