New Iowa law increases penalties for swatting, hoax callers
One of the many laws going into effect Monday adds harsher penalties to swatting call charges, .
Swatting is when somebody makes a hoax call to law enforcement to get a response. We’ve seen this happen at several schools and businesses here in Eastern Iowa over the last year, often resulting in dozens of police officers flocking to a scene when there is actually no danger.
Video above: These new laws take effect Monday in Iowa
Now, charges for swatting are bumped from a misdemeanor to a Class D Felony, which could come with up to five years in prison. If somebody is injured or even killed as a result of a swatting call, then that becomes a Class C Felony with a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
”Odds are pretty good they’re going to at least track you down ... and It’s not a misdemeanor anymore, it’s a felony,” Marion Police Officer Tom Daubs said.
[related id='ca06af96-287c-4e92-9f49-e0c5c58fd457' align='center'][/related]Schools are among the most popular targets for swatting calls, with dozens happening across eastern Iowa over the last year alone.
”I would much rather pat someone on the back for making a good choice than handcuff them behind their back because they thought it would be a great idea to pretend to make a swatting call or some kind of hoax that puts people’s lives in danger,” Daubs said.
As a school resource officer, Daubs is optimistic the new penalties will make people think twice before making these calls.
“If we can do anything to just prevent one, or in my case, hopefully all of these swatting calls, that’s going to be the big deal,” Daubs said. “That’s what we’re aiming for with this new legislation.”