George Beattie was born and raised in New York City.  He attained a Bachelor’s Degree from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York in 1983.  George was hired by the New York Police Department in July 1983.  He worked there until relocating to California in 1987.  In May of 1988 he was hired by the San José Police Department.  He worked the streets until he was promoted to Sergeant in 1998. 

On June 1, 1998, George was selected to manage, supervise and lead the Department’s new Graffiti Enforcement Unit.  Along with two full time police officers, and collaboratively working with the City of San José’s Anti-Graffiti Program, his unit helped reduce graffiti vandalism more than 90% by 2001.  George personally arrested 50 graffiti vandals.  He participated in the arrests of more than one hundred others and has spoken to hundreds of graffiti vandals to gain insight into their thinking.  He has written numerous arrest warrants for graffiti vandals and has participated in many search warrants of their homes. 

In the State of California, George is a recognized court expert on graffiti.  George has consulted police departments throughout the country on graffiti vandalism including San Francisco, Seattle and Minneapolis along with other police agencies in the Bay Area.