“Swatting” Is Defined By Smpd as “A Deceptive Call To Emergency Services Personnel Resulting In a Police Response When There Is No True Crime Or Emergency.”
On Wednesday, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a hoax 9-1-1 call, commonly referred to as “swatting,” at the intersection of 2nd and California.
The initial officer arrived at the scene in less than four minutes, with several additional units following suit. No one was hurt during the incident, but SMPD characterized it as a frequent internet prank.
“Swatting” is defined by SMPD as “a deceptive call to emergency services personnel resulting in a police response when there is no true crime or emergency.” The department said such behavior is comparable to filing a false police report, and is therefore illegal.
