Denton Southridge Neighborhood Association

Police Announce Graffiti Eradication Program

Innovative Approach to Stop Graffiti

The Denton Police Department is breaking new ground in it's aggressive
pursuit in eradicating graffiti. In February, Chief Wiley assigned Officer
Rachel Fleming to coordinate the Department's graffiti eradication effort.

Officer Fleming has been using the Texas Health and Safety Code Abusable
Volatile Chemical laws to eradicate graffiti. Using these laws, which
prohibit the sale of spray paint and other Abusable volatile chemicals to
persons under the age of 18, the Department conducted several inspections of local businesses to ensure compliance with the law, checking required signage, product display and accessibility. This compliance check resulted
in 25 warnings being issued to 14 businesses. Officers met with management and explained the applicable laws in an effort to gain voluntary compliance.

The businesses were notified that controlled buy operations would be
conducted in the near future. During controlled buy operations, officers
went to 9 stores and 7 stores sold spray paint to an underage buyer.
Administrative cases were filed on these businesses with the State
Department of Health. After discussions with the Denton District Attorneys office, criminal charges have been filed resulting in one arrest. The Denton Police Department will continue to aggressively pursue both administrative and criminal penalties for violations. The Department is seriously committed to a reduction in the number of "quality of life" offenses that breed other, more serious crimes.

Annabelle Dillard, Chief of the Consumer Product Safety Branch of the Texas Department of Health stated, "The cases filed by the Denton Police Department are the first in the State and will cause Shock waves across the industry. The Denton cases are being used in evidence of support of HB 3535 and SB1555 currently being considered in the Texas Legislature." These bills would stiffen penalties assessed to businesses and persons violating the Abusable Volatile Chemical Act.

Links

Denton Police Department