Letter to the Utah News Media Regarding Gang Crisis and Recent Gang Shooting Kearns High School

Utah Gang Graffiti Meth Researcher
Tmkjusticestudies (Google them)

Websites:
http://utahandamericasgangcrisis.blogspot.com/
Http://www.policelink.com user id tmkjusticestudies

My background: nightclub security, Grand America & Little America Hotel Security, Night Manager Security at Sheraton Hotel in SLC, Government related security, Intern for SLC Office of Prosecuting Attorney, Paralegal Law Firm Services Sales

In 2005 I began to officially study gang activity thru graffiti throughout Salt Lake County, Utah. I have continued mostly without interruption until current with my study. I photograph gang graffiti and attempt to understand the significance of what is being said and the symbolism, individualized styles, and most importantly the death threats, gang wars, drug sales, and property vandalism that are a direct result of the gang activity indicated in graffiti. My Graduation requirement consisted of a thesis and internship. I have been in college for more than 5 years and have another incomplete AS in criminal justice as well.

Feb 2nd 2009 I notified the Kearns Recreational Center that there was gang graffiti on the north wall of the property near the grass field. (Directly across from the main entrance to the Kearns High School), I notified the School Administration that there is graffiti on Kearns High School Property that has not been cleaned up behind the sports field on the south, and an electric light pole on the lawn within the school property N.E. boundary. The impact: No deterrence to gangs and juvenile delinquency to allow the areas directly adjacent to the school property to have graffiti (the train trestle (inside the overpass at 5400 south as viewed by the NE corner parking lot of Kearns High School. which has enough to cover the stage at the auditorium with paint) The kids see the paint and the threats as well.

Kearns Jr. High School and the surrounding elementary school have gang graffiti on businesses and signs directly across from the south entrance. The 2005 to 2009 graffiti pictures also confirm an ongoing problem at the location. The Kearns Library nearby and the business have frequent occurrences as well all are in full view of children.

The current laws on the books do little to protect property owners, home owners, and victims of graffiti vandalism. There are laws on the books State Code Title 76 to 77 which in 1996 established enacted them.

The prosecution of gang members and taggers (individual graffiti artist) who conduct felony level vandalism is not happening.

Do we as society continue to allow property devaluation, pay for damages, pay for cleanup, and allow the gangs to spread the influence to our neighborhood kids?

The laws were enacted the problem is there is no teeth in them. Part of them allow for offenders to make reconciliation by cleaning up or paying for damages.

My more than 400 gang graffiti photos indicated the severity of the problem throughout the Salt Lake County. Please make gang members who commit crimes accountable, as well as individuals who commit crimes of vandalism. Use the current laws and make the elected officials accountable for why they are not being enforced.