City of Palmdale is looking for information on how other cities prosecute and collect on graffiti offenses. Also inquiring about work restitution programs. Graffiti Abatement Currently, we work with the LA County Sheriff's department in an aggressive program for determining offender(s). Our Crime Prevention team works in conjunction with parole officers in follow-up of restitution payments. Unfortunately, the collection issue is where we experience difficulties. Work Restitution We are implementing a work restitution program where graffiti violators would be allowed to work off a portion of their debt. We are looking for samples of policies or ordinances from other cities with similar programs. Please reply to the following: * Once suspect is identified, do you proceed criminally, civilly or both? * If civilly, do you file the case immediately or wait for a criminal ruling? * Do you utilize small claims court for collecting on smaller cases? If so, what information do you include in your filing and what is your collection success rate? * Do you allow for the offender (or legal guardian, if offender is a minor) to sign a promissory note and make payments directly to the city? * Once receiving a favorable ruling or a signed promissory note, do you utilize a collection agency? If so, please provide collection agency contact information. * Are you aware of any agency that purchases graffiti judgments or notes outright? * Do you allow for work restitution for partial repayment of graffiti debt? * Do you consider your City's graffiti restitution program a success? * Please provide any other relevant details that make collection of graffiti restitution more efficient and effective. Thank you for taking the time to assist us in strengthening our program. I will assemble survey results, including attachments of any e-mailed samples received. Nicole T. Brady Accountant City of Palmdale (661) 267-5423
