(The Center Square) – The Iowa Department of Public Safety is asking lawmakers to consider harsher penalties for what are known as “swatting” calls.
Swatting occurs when a caller reports a fake emergency that could result in a widespread response from law enforcement.
The Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center said four swatting incidents were reported in 2021, according to the bill proposal from DPS.
Thirty-nine occurred during the 2022-2023 school year. About 30 calls were received on March 21, according to DPS.
“The design of it is to create confusion and chaos,” said DPS Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens at the time. “It’s designed to draw a large law enforcement presence to a school even though there is no active threat.”
Reporting false information to law enforcement is a serious misdemeanor in Iowa. The maximum jail time is one year.
DPS is asking lawmakers to make the crime a Class D felony, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
“These penalties would be consistent with other states who have recently increased the penalty for swatting, including New York, Wisconsin and Ohio,” DPS said in the proposal.
Several swatting incidents involving U.S. lawmakers were reported recently. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Reps. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., and Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., said they were the victims of swatting incidents, according to Fox News.
