Graffiti is warning sign; cameras should be explored

Cape Girardeau clearly has a bit of a problem with its floodwall.

It's one of the most important structures in the city, protecting the downtown area from frequent flooding.

But it is also, unfortunately, a temptation for ornery troublemakers looking to leave their marks.

Graffiti is not a new problem; not here, and not anywhere. Graffiti can be found in lots of places, from big cities to small towns.

But few towns have the canvas and opportunity for such defacement as Cape Girardeau does with the wall.

Because the riverfront area is specifically a public park and a place for visitors and guests, including families, it is also an area that needs to be monitored. Some of the graffiti that goes up is applied so in chalk and can be easily removed. Unfortunately, many of the messages and images scrawled on the concrete are completely inappropriate for children to see. And it makes a poor impression.

The city has its hands full trying to keep on top of the graffiti.

The front of the floodwall facing the railroad tracks is relatively clean. As most Cape Girardeau residents know, the murals depicting our city's history with the river have added a lot of interest and beauty to the downtown area. And there is another mural on the river side of the wall, but it takes up only a small portion of the miles-long concrete canvas. But as more people begin to use the walking trail on the other side of the river, the more pertinent it becomes to try to deter vandals.

There are many options to help keep on top of the problem -- from foot patrols to more murals -- but it seems a primary and initial solution would be security cameras. Not only would the cameras deter vandals, they might make others feel safer using the trail in the evenings.

Parks director Julia Thompson told the Southeast Missourian in a recent story that she "could probably have a staff person there full time, just to keep up with [vandalism]." She said staff tends to the riverfront several times a week to pick up litter and check on graffiti. She said she would love to find a way to fund cameras, but the primary way the parks department is alerted is through police patrols and resident reports.

With the creation and purpose of the Downtown Community Improvement District putting more emphasis on security, now might be a good time for the city to put emphasis on developing a strategy and plan for cameras, including along the riverfront.

The graffiti, more than just an eyesore, is something else. It's an indicator of an unprotected and vulnerable place. The chalk lines are warning signs, and if the city wants to preserve this wonderful resource for families and visitors, it should examine the feasibility, and potential private partnerships, for installing cameras pointing to the east side of the floodwall.