State Approves Bill Targeting 'Swatting' Pranksters for Reimbursement

by City News Service

A state legislative committee Tuesday approved a bill that would require perpetrators of "swatting" -- or false 911 emergencies typically reported at the homes of celebrities -- to reimburse police for the cost of responding to the hoaxes.

"Law enforcement wants this bill and, frankly, the public needs this to not only be safer but protect their taxpayer dollars from being wasted," the bill's sponsor, Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, said after it was backed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee. "Swatting drains vital resources from law enforcement and puts officers and citizens in dangerous situations."

A number of high-profile Southland residents have been victims of false reports of violent crime, prompting large-scale responses by police. In April, pranksters reported an assault at the home of record producer and rapper Sean Combs, a shooting at singer Rihanna's Pacific Palisades home, shots fired at the home of Justin Timberlake and a homicide at the home of actress/singer Selena Gomez.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments and other agencies have spent thousands of dollars responding in large numbers to such calls, according to Lieu. Estimates of the cost per response range from several thousand to more than $10,000, he said.

The bill, already approved by the Senate, will next be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. No hearing date has been set.

"To those who engage in this dangerous practice, be aware this is not a game and you will be held responsible for all associated costs," Lieu said.

Los Angeles city officials are also working on an ordinance to require restitution.

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