SWATting guidance for emergency responders and 911 telecommunicators

WASHINGTON — The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the National 911 Program to provide emergency responders and public safety answering points (PSAPs) guidance and training for responding to SWATting.

The number of “SWATting” incidents – false reporting of an emergency aimed at getting a “SWAT team” response – has grown significantly in recent months, increasing the need for agencies to better prepare emergency personnel to identify and respond to such events. In the state of New Jersey alone, there have been 36 false reports this year, resulting in substantial misuse of time, money and resources.

On Tuesday, September 15th, at 12pm ET, experts from NENA and the 911 community will discuss SWATting and a new guidance document.

“SWATting incidents pose great risks to innocent victims and our first responders when responding to a false call,” said Laurie Flaherty, Coordinator of the National 911 Program. “Helping PSAPs to prepare for such an event by educating telecommunicators and working with other emergency response agencies to establish standard operating procedures, are strategies that both NENA and the National 911 program recommend PSAPs consider.”

Individuals who report a swatting incident aim to draw the largest possible emergency response by falsely claiming to be involved in events such as hostage situations, home invasions or active-shooter incidents. Some swatting reports also target individuals by sending response teams to private homes.

Christopher Carver, ENP, RPL, NENA’s Director of PSAP Operations, and Mark Fletcher, ENP, a noted 911 and public safety solutions expert, will discuss these topics during the Sept. 15 SWATting webinar.

• Background on SWATting incidents and methods of identifying potential false callers
• Recommended actions PSAP staff can take to differentiate these calls from emergencies
• A review of protections against SWATting built into Next Generation 911 (NG911)

The National 911 Program provides federal leadership to support and promote optimal 911 services. The National 911 Program is housed within the Office of Emergency Medical Services at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.