CENTRALIZED DATABASE

The task force will make use of a centralized graffiti database containing information about known graffiti vandals. The database will allow police to isolate vandalism patterns and use those patterns to make arrests.

The task force will also respond to graffiti complaints called into the city's 311 hotline. Such complaints will be classified as "urgent" under this initiative.

NYPD Assistant Chief Ed Young has been assigned to coordinate the city's anti-graffiti efforts. His work will be made easier by the $500 reward the NYPD will pay to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of a graffiti vandal.

Although the city is placing a high priority on curbing graffiti and other quality-of-life offenses, Bloomberg said the NYPD would not waver in its efforts to combat violate crime.

A key aspect of those efforts is Operation Impact, a program in which recent Police Academy graduates are poured into high-crime areas to conduct intensive patrols.