Hollister Police Graffiti Abatement Program

In 1982, theorist James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling published an article in the Atlantic Monthly introducing a new crime fighting theory known as “broken windows.”   The theory states; “If the first broken window in a building is not repaired, then people who like breaking windows will assume that no one cares about the building and more windows will be broken.   Soon the building will have no windows…..”

Applying the “broken windows” theory to graffiti, the Hollister Police Department is taking an aggressive approach in dealing with graffiti.   Ideally we would like to apprehend those responsible for community decay and prosecute them.   Realistically, it can take these vandals mere seconds to put up their graffiti making it difficult for law enforcement to keep up with them.

Using the “broken windows” theory, we have implemented a graffiti abatement program.   We want to send the message to those responsible that they are subject to arrest and prosecution.   However, even if they are not arrested, their graffiti will not last and will be covered up as soon as possible.

We are soliciting the community's help in accomplishing this.   You can help in any of the following ways;

1)   Report any incidents of graffiti to the Police Department as it is occurring.

2)   Become a volunteer to help eradicate graffiti from the community

3)   Donate materials needed to eradicate graffiti

For further information about the Graffiti Abatement Program, contact Officer Rosie Betanio at rbetanio@police.hollister.ca.us or call (831) 636-4330.