Graffiti Watch
Join Graffiti Watch and get the supplies and training needed to help fight graffiti vandalism in your neighborhood. You can email us for more information!
Graffiti Watch is a partnership between the City and its residents to keep graffiti off our streets and sidewalks for a safer and cleaner San Francisco. Graffiti Watch empowers individuals or groups to take ownership of a heavily-tagged four-block area in their neighborhood and remove graffiti from public property such as utility poles, mailboxes, trash receptacles and other street furniture. In return, we provide training and tools.
Removing graffiti quickly, ideally within 24 hours, is key to the success of the Graffiti Watch Program. It s a proven fact that the faster graffiti tags are painted over, the less likely it is that the vandals will return. Your vigilance can make a difference in the appearance of your neighborhood and can discourage other criminal behavior that graffiti attracts.
How do I get involved?
Enter into an agreement with the City as an individual, corporation, merchant group or neighborhood group to adopt an area near where you live or work. To apply, send us an email to tell us that you are interested and the street(s) you would like to cover. You may also download and fill out the application and mail or fax it to us.
What training and supplies will I get?
- Identify and remove graffiti from street furniture and other public property.
- Use graffiti abatement supplies.
- Work safely.
As a Graffiti Watch volunteer, you will receive city-coded paint, graffiti remover spray, paint brushes, a scraper, wet paint signs, dust masks, safety glasses, and other items. If you want to organize a community cleanup, we will help you plan the event and provide additional supplies.
How do I re-order supplies?
To order more supplies, email volunteer@sfdpw.org or call 311 and identify as a Graffiti Watch volunteer. We will return your call/email and schedule a delivery or pickup at the Operations Yard. If you are unsure of what color you need, please email a photo of the fixture/structure to volunteer@sfdpw.org.
Can I remove graffiti from private property?
By law, it is the responsibility of the property owner to keep their property free of graffiti. Graffiti Watch paint is color-coded to match public fixtures/structures. Volunteers should not use Graffiti Watch paint to abate graffiti on private property. For more information and resources, please visit our website on graffiti on private property.
Contact Us
Graffiti Watch Program
Call: 311
Email: volunteer@sfdpw.org
Links
- Check out photos from dedicated Graffiti Watch Volunteers.
- Join Neighborhood Beautification Days and volunteer to help clean and green San Francisco neighborhoods, schools and parks.
Mission
San Francisco Public Works is one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget. The department's active capital project portfolio exceeds $3 billion. As one of San Francisco oldest City departments, it is also one of the most forward-thinking. Keeping San Francisco beautiful, safe and sustainable.
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