Vandal Squad
Back to Graffiti Art
by Joseph Rivera
Graffiti writers have left a vivid trail and told their spellbinding tales the world over. But many have gone down for those ups; they've been caught in action or hunted as criminals, and brought forth to answer for crimes of vandalism.
No one knew this better than the New York City Transit Police Vandal Squad.
Founded in 1980, the Vandal Squad's mission was to protect the subway system from hardcore criminal acts of destruction like kicking out windows and throwing seats out of train cars. It was only with the Clean Car Program of 1984 that graffiti became the primary focus of this specialized Unit. On a mission to catch those who gained fame under tag names, the Vandal Squad had to identify and locate these individuals cloaked in anonymity using every means available.
In Vandal Squad: Inside the New York City Transit Police Department, 1984-2004, former member Officer Joseph Rivera recounts the days and nights spent in pursuit of some of New York City's most notorious vandals. The only book on graffiti told from the perspective of law enforcement, Rivera's fast-paced tales of cat and mouse are presented alongside professional disregard within the Department.
Featuring never- before- seen photographs and stories of graffiti's infamous Top 40, Vandal Squad offers an unprecedented look at the graffiti world from the other side of the game.
Hardcover, lots of colour photos.
Graffiti writers have left a vivid trail and told their spellbinding tales the world over. But many have gone down for those ups; they've been caught in action or hunted as criminals, and brought forth to answer for crimes of vandalism.
No one knew this better than the New York City Transit Police Vandal Squad.
Founded in 1980, the Vandal Squad's mission was to protect the subway system from hardcore criminal acts of destruction like kicking out windows and throwing seats out of train cars. It was only with the Clean Car Program of 1984 that graffiti became the primary focus of this specialized Unit. On a mission to catch those who gained fame under tag names, the Vandal Squad had to identify and locate these individuals cloaked in anonymity using every means available.
In Vandal Squad: Inside the New York City Transit Police Department, 1984-2004, former member Officer Joseph Rivera recounts the days and nights spent in pursuit of some of New York City's most notorious vandals. The only book on graffiti told from the perspective of law enforcement, Rivera's fast-paced tales of cat and mouse are presented alongside professional disregard within the Department.
Featuring never- before- seen photographs and stories of graffiti's infamous Top 40, Vandal Squad offers an unprecedented look at the graffiti world from the other side of the game.
Hardcover, lots of colour photos.
| Vandal Squad | AU$59.95 | Out of stock. |
