Graffiti
Gangs use graffiti to mark their territory, mourn fallen members and challenge rival gangs
When the crime is the evidence, a web-based tool can help you investigate even after tagging or gang graffiti is removed or painted over
Crimes at the site have prompted a 24-hour guard by officers working overtime; 18 arrests have been made at the site since Feb. 1
A police helicopter crew spotted more than a dozen people trespassing and possibly spray-painting the building
It can hold the key to solving more and bigger crimes
Portland police said Jacob Ramos fabricated illegal firearms in his downtime using a 3-D printer and other tools
An integrated strategy includes cleaning up graffiti, prosecuting vandals, working with the community and decoding threats
Bratton considers graffiti a harbinger of worsening crime and societal decay
Some officers are questioning the new directive — suggesting there are bigger issues to focus on