Over the past few years, the amount of graffiti has increased in Springfield. Graffiti concerns city officials because more graffiti means a possible increase in gang activity, and it can be expensive to remove.

“We have a problem with graffiti in Springfield. One thing we know is that one of the tale-tale signs of gang activity is graffiti,” Chris Davis, administrator of Prevention Services Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Inc., said.

Gang graffiti can often be a form of communication between members of gangs and convey plans for illegal or violent activity. However, it can also be simple tags, which are signatures of graffiti artists wishing to leave their mark.

Senior Bradley Knox is a graffiti artist, but he limits his art to paper and commissioned projects. Knox made the graffiti piece used for the musical “Fame” last year.

“I’m 100% for it because I do it. I tag, but not illegally,” Knox said.

Gang-related or not, anyone who sees graffiti in Springfield is advised to call 911 and report it according to Davis. Then, police officers can investigate and decide whether or not there is gang-related meaning behind it.

“The graffiti must be removed within 10 days if it is gang-related,” Davis said. “The cost of removal depends on the surface, and it can get expensive.”

Senior Thomas Cox thinks graffiti can be vandalism or art.

“It depends on the intent of the person doing the graffiti,” Cox said.

People like the legendary Keith Haring have defined the artistic side of graffiti. His art can be seen all over the world and has influenced many artists and graffitists alike.

The Community Partnerships has created a task force against gang activity and graffiti in order to increase awareness. However, gangs and gang-related graffiti have not been a leading type of crime in Springfield.

“Gang-related graffiti is not a threat at all. Springfield is a very small town and there are no real gangs —

maybe wannabes,” Knox said.

Knox thinks designating some areas downtown would be an ideal way for graffitists to display their art legally.

“Graffiti is just another art form,” Knox said.