Report Graffiti
use the Graffiti Removal Hotline

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Operation Clean Sweep's
GRAFITTI REMOVAL HOTLINE
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Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) operates a graffiti hotline, 800 / 611-CITY ( or 800 / 611-2489 ), through which residents may report graffiti. Work orders are referred to community-based graffiti removal programs contracted through OCS.

These agencies supervise community volunteers, as well as juveniles and adults who have received community service time from the courts.

Work is performed using paint, chemical solvents or sandblasting, depending on the type of surface.

All services are free of charge.

To report Graffiti within the City of Los Angeles, please follow these steps:

Note the details of the graffiti, including the street, the cross street, the surface, and the color.

Report the graffiti online by clicking on the On-line Graffiti Removal Request Form link below, or call the graffiti hotline at:

800 / 611- 2489

If you wish to leave your name and number, please be assured that your personal information is kept confidential and may only be used to clarify the details of the incident.

Write down the date and time you reported this incident.

The graffiti should be removed within four business days.

GRAFFITI REMOVAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Graffiti Removal Program?

Residents may complete the GRAFFITI REMOVAL REQUEST FORM or call the City of Los Angeles Graffiti Removal Hotline, (800) 611-CITY, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report graffiti on public property, or their own privately owned property.

What methods of removal are used?

Depending on the type of structure, there are generally three methods of removing graffiti.

	Painting is used on most walls and buildings. Contractors will try to match the existing color as closely as possible.
	Sand/water blasting will be used on unpainted concrete surfaces such as curbs, sidewalks, cinder block walls etc.
	Chemical removal is used on surfaces such as metal light poles, street signs, trees, traffic control boxes etc.

Who actually does the work?

Operation Clean Sweep contracts with Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) geographically spread throughout the City. Each CBO has a graffiti removal program that utilizes persons needing to complete community service hours for the court system. These workers are supervised by permanent employees of the graffiti removal program.

What if the graffiti comes back?

Simply call the Graffiti Removal Hotline, (800) 611-CITY, and request that the graffiti be removed again. However, if a location is frequently targeted by taggers, OCS encourages property owners or local residents to remove the graffiti themselves as soon as it appears. This is much more effective than continually calling the hotline to request service since the graffiti will remain for several days prior to removal, possibly attracting more graffiti. Operation Clean Sweep will provide paint, rollers and other supplies to persons interested in removing graffiti themselves.

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Operation Clean Sweep
(Bureau of Public Works)

OCS website:

http://www.lacity.org/bpw/ocs/

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