Pennsylvania lawmaker proposes legislation to crack down on 'swatting' calls
Hoax phone calls about violent crimes have been happening all over Pennsylvania. It's called swatting, and lawmakers are proposing new sanctions against those behind it.
"When they're called away for these incidents that are just not real, that puts everyone else in jeopardy," said Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-7.
Hughes said swatting incidents like the one that targeted Catholic schools in Pittsburgh cause panic, keep first responders from actual emergencies and come with a big price tag for taxpayers.
"For those individuals who cause these incidents, they've got to feel some of the pain and restitution to the local community," Hughes said.
Hughes is proposing a law allowing those convicted of swatting to potentially be punished with compensating for the cost of first responders tending to the hoax calls.
Swatting calls have happened as recently as last week in Cumberland and Lancaster counties.
Lower Paxton Township public safety director Adam Kosheba said swatting calls like the one his department responded to earlier this year can sound very real, and police can't second guess if they're legitimate.
Officers broke through a door in that incident only to find no one was in danger. Taxpayers were on the hook for thousands of dollars.
"If we hesitate and it is the real thing, obviously lives are at risk, and we don't want that," Kosheba said.
Finding out who's behind swatting calls isn't always easy because the callers typically hide their identities, but those who are caught currently face potential fines and criminal charges.
