What is Swatting and Why is it Illegal?

Introduction

Swatting is a criminal harassment tactic that involves deceiving emergency services through false reports, leading to the dispatch of SWAT teams or other response units. This article explores the definition of swatting, its illegality, the associated costs, and real-life incidents that highlight its dangerous nature.

Definition of Swatting

Swatting is a severe form of harassment that involves tricking emergency services into responding to an address with police and response teams, based on a fabricated emergency situation. Common triggers for such false reports include bomb threats, murder, hostage situations, or other alleged emergencies.

Why is Swatting Illegal?

Swatting is illegal for multiple reasons, chiefly among them:

Lying to a Police Officer: Making a false report to emergency services is inherently deceitful and can be likened to lying to a police officer. Costly Misallocation of Resources: Sending law enforcement personnel to false calls is wasteful, as it diverts them from more pressing matters. This can be particularly costly when SWAT teams are involved, as they are trained and equipped for high-risk situations. Risk to Public Safety: The real issue is the readiness of SWAT teams. These units are trained to deal with serious threats, including armed situations. Their presence on a false call can lead to an overreaction, endangering both the public and the target of the false report.

Legal Consequences of Swatting

The legal repercussions of swatting can be severe and devastating. A notable case is the incident on December 28, 2017, in Wichita, Kansas, where an innocent man, Andrew Finch, was mistakenly targeted by a swatting incident. This event highlights the dangers and consequences of such actions.

On December 29, 2017, Tyler Raj Barriss, a 25-year-old serial swatter, was arrested and charged with numerous offenses. According to a federal grand jury, Barriss faced maximum penalties of life in prison and up to 20 years in other charges. In 2019, Barriss was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The case also involved another participant in the bet. This gamer who recruited Barriss pleaded guilty to felony charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, along with a two-year ban on playing video games.

Real-Life Incidents

The above case in Wichita, Kansas, illustrates the severe outcomes of swatting. The incident led to the death of Andrew Finch, who was an innocent victim of the swatting. This event shows the premeditated nature of the crime and its potential to result in criminal charges that carry life-sentence possibilities.

Federal prosecutors handled the case with the intent to send a strong message. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister emphasized the seriousness of the crime by highlighting that the false hoax charge carries a maximum punishment of life in federal prison.

Conclusion

Swatting is a dangerous and illegal practice that has severe consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. While some may argue that the penalties should be more severe, the legal and ethical implications of such actions cannot be understated. The early prevention of such incidents, through better vetting of individuals and stricter law enforcement protocols, is crucial to prevent further dangerous outcomes.