East Providence Police Establish Graffiti Eradication Task Force

The Police Department and City of East Providence officials are taking a proactive stance against graffiti vandalism by establishing a Graffiti Eradication Task Force. This task force, composed of representatives from the East Providence Police, Public Works, Parks and Buildings Departments, will work together to combat graffiti vandalism and encourage residents to report incidents for swift removal and investigation.

"Graffiti vandalism has been a growing concern in our community, defacing public and private properties, causing economic costs, and impacting the overall aesthetic appeal of our city. The establishment of the Graffiti Eradication Task Force is part of the city's commitment to ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe, clean, and visually appealing for all residents and visitors," said a police statement.

“We understand the negative impact of graffiti vandalism on our community and are taking proactive measures to combat it,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “The establishment of the Graffiti Eradication Task Force demonstrates our commitment to keeping our city clean and safe, and we urge our residents to report any incidents of vandalism to assist us in our efforts.”

The task force will work in close collaboration to investigate and prosecute those responsible for graffiti vandalism. Additionally, the city will deploy resources for prompt removal of graffiti from public properties, such as parks, buildings, and sidewalks, to deter further vandalism and maintain the city's aesthetics. In addition, the Administration hopes to work with the East Providence City Council to create an ordinance to address and prevent graffiti.

“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach, utilizing a variety of resources to thoroughly investigate instances of graffiti,” Chief Chris Francesconi said. “Those responsible for defacing our parks and other property throughout the city will be arrested and charged.”

The City of East Providence encourages residents to play an active role in the eradication of graffiti vandalism by reporting any incidents they come across through the city’s Request for Service reporting tool. Prompt reporting will enable the task force to take swift action in removing the graffiti and investigating the responsible individuals. Property owners, requesting the city to remove the graffiti from their properties, will need to fill out a graffiti removal consent form available here:
https://eastprovidenceri.gov/form/graffiti-removal-consent-form-property-owners.

“Our city has a lot of good aesthetics going on, as we improve our quality of life as much as possible. Senseless vandalism and graffiti should concern every resident,” said City Council President Bob Rodericks. “I urge everyone to report acts of “graffiti” as soon as it is noticed. Graffiti is not art, it is vandalism and cheapens our appearance. I applaud our city departments for working together on this problem,” added Rodericks.

To report graffiti vandalism or suspicious activity, residents can:
• call the East Providence Police Department at (401) 435-7600
• use the Tip411 App https://www.tip411.com/tips/eastprovidenceripd/new 
• use the Request for Service tool https://eastprovidenceri.qscend.com/311/request/add 
• visit the city’s website at www.eastprovidenceri.gov.

Reports can be made anonymously, and all information provided will be treated with confidentiality. The City of East Providence is committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and vibrant community and appreciates the cooperation and support of its residents in combating graffiti vandalism.