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When I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, prank calls were just asking if the refrigerator was running? Yeah, welcome to 2025, where “pranks” now involve heavily armed officers storming schools, businesses, or homes because someone thought it would be funny.
Spoiler alert: it’s not.
Let’s talk about SWATTING, why it’s NOT going away, and what you can ACTUALLY do about it.
Today, I want to review the ongoing reality of SWATTING incidents—fake 911 calls designed to send a tactical police response where it’s not needed. They’re happening daily, they’re not stopping anytime soon, and while most turn out to be hoaxes, the risks are real. So how do we handle this without making every school, business, and family live in constant fear? Let’s dive in.
SWATTING: The Hoax That Hits Like Reality
If you’re under 30, chances are you’ve grown up with prank culture online. But SWATTING isn’t just a YouTube prank or a funny TikTok skit—it’s a felony. It involves someone calling 911 or reporting a fake emergency (active shooter, hostage situation, bomb threat—you name it) with the goal of sending law enforcement, usually a SWAT team, charging into a home, school, or business.
The FBI has entire case files filled with these incidents. In fact, they’re happening every single day, and while many prosecutions are increasing, the trend itself isn’t slowing down. Why? Because technology makes it too easy. Between spoofed caller IDs, VPNs, and AI-generated fake voices, it’s like a dark version of “Caller ID: The Next Generation.”
Why Public Safety Has to Treat Hoaxes as Real
Here’s the frustrating part: while almost of these calls are fake, if law enforcement treated them as such, and one turned out to be real? The result is a devastating, and community-shattering mistake. So public safety professionals must respond as if it’s the real thing—because sometimes, it just may be.
Imagine your school fire alarm going off. Sure, it might just be a kid with a vape cloud setting it off, AGAIN, but what if it’s not? You don’t shrug and keep eating your tater tots—you get out. Same deal here.
The Danger of Desensitization
The biggest risk? People getting used to it. Students, teachers, and staff who have been through multiple SWATTING calls may start treating the next one like a drill. “Oh, it’s probably fake—let’s just sit tight.” That false sense of security is exactly what puts lives at risk if the next one is real.
It’s like ignoring your car’s “check engine” light because it’s always on. One day, it’s not crying wolf—it’s crying “your engine block is on fire.”
Training is Non-Negotiable
Just like fire drills, we need SWATTING and active shooter response drills. And yes, I know: nobody loves another drill. But think of it this way—muscle memory kicks in under stress. Training ensures that when the police come storming in, you know what to do.
The FBI provides an excellent resource page with training guides and safety tips:
👉 FBI Active Shooter Safety Resources
[Click to Download or enter into your browser]
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/active-shooter-safety-resources
Plans Aren’t Just for Schools
Everyone thinks of schools first, but businesses and even families need a plan, too. Imagine the police suddenly showing up at your house because someone reported you hostage-taking over a Fortnite argument. It happens.
- Schools: Lockdown procedures, communication with parents, reunification sites.
- Businesses: Staff awareness, visitor management, evacuation plans.
- Families: Teach kids what to do if police enter the home. Hands visible, no sudden movements, follow instructions.
Even Fake Calls Can End in Real Tragedy
The hardest truth here: acting the wrong way when armed officers arrive can get someone hurt. Police are trained to respond to threats with split-second decisions. If a teacher, student, or parent panics—or worse, resists—it could escalate.
So while the “threat” may be fake, the danger is real. This isn’t just about law enforcement tactics. It’s about making sure everyone—students, employees, families—knows how to act during a sudden, unexpected response.
Don’t Make-it Up – ASK
While the Internet is full of ideas, best practices, and so-called experts, this is a topic that you need to trust and leave to the real experts. And that’s Public Safety. These are the people who are going to come and respond when you’re in trouble. They need to understand your side, just as much as you need to understand their side. Most agencies will be happy and relieved to have the conversation with you.
Summary: Stay Safe, Stay Smart
SWATTING is not going away tomorrow. But here’s what you can do today:
- Take every threat seriously.
- Train for these scenarios—don’t treat them as “just drills.”
- Have a plan whether you’re at school, work, or home.
- If police respond, cooperate, stay calm, and follow directions.
It’s not about living in fear—it’s about being prepared.
If you find my blogs informative, I invite you to follow me on X @Fletch911. You can also follow my profiles on LinkedIN and Facebook and catch up on all my blogs at https://Fletch.tv. AND BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY LATEST PROJECT TiPS: Today on Public Safety @ http://911TiPS.com
Thanks for spending time with me; I look forward to next time. Stay safe and take care.
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