The City of West Allis Police Department developed and implemented a comprehensive and community based Graffiti Abatement Program. The City's Program was developed because unabated graffiti promotes a community perception that gang activity is present, and that visible graffiti can become a quality of life issue that impacts a community on a daily basis. The ultimate goal was to rid graffiti within 48 to 72 hours of it being reported. The Program structure was designed to assist residents in maintaining property values, decreasing crime, and upgrading the image of the community. This program was a joint effort between the Mayor, Police Chief, and other Department Heads.