Hall County Jail inmates are often on the job, bettering the community through the work release program. Now, the non-violent and vetted inmates have the opportunity to care for the aesthetics of the county.
Suited up to work in the chilly winter temperatures, an inmate crew of four led by Deputy Edward Pittman painted over graffiti under the Atlanta Highway Bridge over the railroad tracks near Chicopee Street on February 7.
Graffiti is more than just artwork or an eyesore. Sheriff's Office spokesman Derreck Booth said the vandalism can also be "tagging" used by gang members.
"Gang members can mark their so-called territory by 'tagging' using various gang signs to lay claim to an area or send messages to one another, or other gang members," said Booth.
The graffiti on the bridge ranged from small tags on street signs to large murals.
"There's also just the folks that go out there and do vandalism and paint on property that doesn't belong to them," Booth said. He said it took the crew about four to five hours to paint it all over.
Booth said while it's easy for the crew to tackle public property that has been vandalized, it's another story to work on private property.
"Folks don't want things painted on their property without their permission," Booth said. "
Deputies often find graffiti while on routine patrols, but they also rely on citizen input. Trouble areas can be reported on the Hall County website.
Booth said he was on the scene when the crew worked to repaint the bridge and street signs and as many people consider graffiti an art of it's own, it was a little tough to watch some of the art get covered up.
"Some of the artwork was actually quite extensive and you can tell somebody had some talent," he said. "If they could channel that into something positive that would be a win-win."
