Posted on 04/24/2015 12:37:03 PM PDT by nickcarraway
New Jersey lawmakers are looking to crack down on the trend called “swatting,” in which a fake threat is reported to provoke a massive police response.
Under one bill, anyone busted for making a hoax call to 911 would be liable for the cost incurred by police and first responders, said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, D-Union, who heads the Homeland Security Committee. Jail time and additional fines would also be a possibility.
There have been several hoax reports in northern New Jersey in recent weeks, WCBS 880’s Levon Putney reported.
On Friday, police responded to a report of a hostage in Upper Freehold Township and discovered it was a hoax. There was also a similar incident in Cliffside Park on Saturday.
On March 31, a false report of an armed intruder led police to lockdown a school in Holmdel. And on March 28, police responded to a report of a hostage situation at a video game store in Clifton that turned out to be a hoax.
Quijano said authorities believe kids are mostly to blame, and she wants parents to talk to their children about the problem. In many cases, “swatting” has been linked to online gaming.
“First of all, if it’s gamers, they need to be aware there’s no reset button in real life,” Quijano said.
Quijano said she’ll try to schedule a committee hearing soon to tackle the issue.
“The taxpayers should not be on the hook to have to pay,” the assemblywoman said.
After officers responded to a hoax call on Long Island last year, officials estimated the effort cost about $100,000.
This is the very first law considered by lawmakers that I agree with, in the last 20 years.
They should be jailed for 10 years...
“Oh, so funny now, huh?”
bump
This should be treated as more like attempted arson with people inside, rather than a billing issue.
“Oh, so funny now, huh?”
I agree fining them is not enough.
If police didn’t respond to so many routine calls with paramilitary raids, would this even be an issue?
How about laws to put a stop to cops acting on anonymous calls. A law to get rid of s.w.a.t. outfits and gear.
A game of Russian Roulette would be in order as well, considering the consequences for Law Enforcement and Innocent Civilians...
Maybe it’s time to speak with my local representative here in soviet Red Hampshire. Is NJ the only state currently considering such a law?
Any ANYONE who claims the police in America these days, down to the smallest town with Federally-funded vehicles and weapons, is not a standing army is DELUSIONAL.
“Quijano said authorities believe kids are mostly to blame,”
No! “Authorities” are to blame for being panty wetting old ladies. Kids couldn’t have “swatted” anyone back when I was a kid for the simple reason that cops weren’t pussies back then.
No need for yet another law. They should be charged with attempted murder.
So which Democrat or GOPe individual got swatted?
Exactly - no knock warrants should be completely banned.
Right.
Calls for help interrupted happens often.
A call but unable to speak. . .happens.
Not wanting to become involved but report a crime/abduction. . .no police response.
I guess I missed your ‘sarc tag.
Cheers.
Someone here aptly called it "Murder by Proxy".
They also practiced that antiquated technique called 'detective work.' Back in the day cops didn't go off like a robot that you punch a button on and point where you want it to go.
No one suggested that they ignore calls they can’t get an ID on. How about they actually do some investigation before smashing doors like a squad of Marines?
Cheers
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