The Difference between Gang and Tagger Graffiti

A ‘tagger’s’ main goal is to ‘Get Up.’. ‘Getting up’ refers to getting his or her “tag” in as many places in the city as they can, and as high up in the city as they are able. They strive to be able to do their “tag” very quickly and they also seek to be recognized for artistic merit.

“Taggers” are judged by their ability to quickly create “tags” with clean, crisp lines, shadowing, depth within the letters or numbers, and sometimes with illustrations inside or outside of the tag itself. “Tags” which are simplistic or crudely drawn are sometimes drawn over or crossed out. A “tagger” whose work is not respected is often referred to as a “toy”.

Taggers are using graffiti for fame and notoriety. Their objective is to get their crew (group) name and or their individual moniker up on buildings, signs, walls, etc. so that they can receive recognition from other taggers and tagging crews. The more locations that they tag their graffiti on or the more difficult the location to remove their tags, the more fame and recognition they receive. These taggers will go to other cities, counties, and even other states to achieve this objective.

Gang graffiti on the other hand is strictly territorial and is used to let members of other gangs know to stay out of a particular area or be subject to retaliation.

“Tags” are sometimes accompanied by acronyms which will be placed on or near the “tag” itself. When

present, this acronym will refer to the “tagging crew” the “tagger” may either belong to or respect. For instance, a large “tagging crew” once utilized “B.C.D.”, for “Bombing Central Detroit”. This three letter acronym is an immediate hint when an investigator is attempting to discern between whether or not graffiti is gang or “tagging crew” related.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services there are different types of graffiti. The major types include:

• gang graffiti, often used by gangs to mark turf or convey threats of violence, and sometimes copycat graffiti, which mimics gang graffiti
• tagger graffiti, ranging from high-volume simple hits to complex street art
• conventional graffiti, often isolated or spontaneous acts of “youthful exuberance,” but sometimes malicious or vindictive
• ideological graffiti, such as political or hate graffiti, which conveys political messages or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.

In addition to the above listed types of graffiti, “graffiti writing,” (or tagging) is separate from graffiti, and is the movement most closely associated with hip hop culture. 

The tag is the core of graffiti writing. A graffiti writer might be insulted to be called a “graffiti artist” or “street artist.” Within this subculture there exists one main delineation between graffiti writers and street artists, and that delineation is marked by the intention of the artist. Street art is a subset of graffiti writing. Although there is a distinct difference between the two, they are closely related and there is a great deal of crossover between the genres. Because graffiti writing has a bad public reputation as a destructive and vandalistic behavior, many artists prefer to be called “street artists.” 

A “Tagger’s” whole identity is his or her tag. This is another characteristic which separates “tagging crews” from gang members. For instance, there may be three or four “Buddha’s” in a street-gang, however, you will never have two “Buddha’s” in a “tagging crew”.

Often, a “tagger” or “tagging crew” will make their way into the city, and very rapidly attempt to “get up” their “tags” in as many places possible within a very short period of time (typically only a couple of hours). This high-intensity “tagging” operation is known as “Bombing”. Although “taggers” sometimes work in crews, “tagging” is an intrinsically egocentric activity, and this is normally the sole purpose behind it.

The Slap Tag

Slap Tags

The art of placing stickers onto object such as STOP signs, Lamp posts, crosswalk signs, and any other available signs or wall. Also placed in subway trains, transportation buses, and on places of high traffic. Placing a slap tag on any other type of graffiti (spray paint tag, throwie, piece, or mural) is considered disrespect. Slap tags are usually drawn on label 228 of the USPS mailing labels, or printed by the tagger with his personal printer on paper with an adhesive side.

“Gang graffiti” differs from “tagging” in many respects. “Gang graffiti”, to the trained eye is immediately identifiable, as gang symbols are normally very heavily used. For instance, one may see the pitchfork of the “Folk Nation” or perhaps the five-pointed crown of the “Latin Kings”. This graffiti is often used to mark territory, to proclaim membership, or to disrespect and challenge a rival gang.

When gang graffiti is “crossed out” in a certain area, it will often mean that the neighborhood is heavily

contested. When gang graffiti is allowed to stand unopposed and unchallenged, it may mean that it is securely under the influence of the gang depicted. This can sometimes help investigators to determine gang boundaries within the city. “Gang graffiti” should ALWAYS be removed the instance it is observed.