What once was merely a police annoyance in Southern California — thrill-seeking pranksters filing a false report of a breaking horrific crime at celebrity’s home, designed to provoke the dispatch of SWAT teams — has turned in recent weeks into a full-blown “swatting” epidemic, drawing expressions of concerns from police officials and victims alike, and the promise of a crackdown by lawmakers in Sacramento and at Los Angeles City Hall.

On Wednesday afternoon, Ryan Seacrest — who earlier that day on his radio show had aggressively challenged Mr. Brand after Mr. Brand tried to make light of his own experience — became the latest victim of a swatting prank. The Beverly Hills Police Department received a late-afternoon false report that a group of armed men was trying to break into Mr. Seacrest’s gated estate on Cabrillo Lane.

The Seacrest call marked the sixth time in a week that the police had scrambled to respond to a report of violence at the home of a Page Six-worthy parade of celebrities: Sean Combs last Wednesday, Rihanna on Thursday, Justin Timberlake and Selena Gomez on Friday and Mr. Brand on Monday. Previous victims have included Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise and Miley Cyrus.

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/us/hollywood-swatting-hoax-strains-both-police-and-stars.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

I think it's just immature how these idiots are "swatting". While the police are attending this fake call there could be someone out there that really needs police assistance. It's illegal, Immature and costing the police money. All this money the police are wasting deploying SWAT... It could be used in getting more firearms for officer, New police cars... Or it could be used to have more officers out of training and on the streets.

 

I would hate to be these immature idiots when the police finally track down where they are... One big fine and a jail sentence. If i was in charge i'd throw them in jail and never let them out.

I think it's just immature how these idiots are "swatting". While the police are attending this fake call there could be someone out there that really needs police assistance. It's illegal, Immature and costing the police money. All this money the police are wasting deploying SWAT... It could be used in getting more firearms for officer, New police cars... Or it could be used to have more officers out of training and on the streets.

 

I would hate to be these immature idiots when the police finally track down where they are... One big fine and a jail sentence. If i was in charge i'd throw them in jail and never let them out.

 

It costs about 10K per "swat" and the commissioner is pushing for a bill to force the pranker to pay all expenses.

Stupid kids.

they have found it to be mostly 12-16 year olds, and they usually make the family pay. Little timmy better be grounded for the rest of his life lol