Opinions on "SWATing"

[wolfts01]

There was a story in the news tonight about an increase in SWATing pranks recently, and I figured I'd hop on INGO and start a discussion if there wasn't one already.

In case you don't know, SWATing is where someone prank calls the police and fakes a situation that is certain to invoke a SWAT response on the pranked person's residence. One voice clip they played was someone making monetary demands and talking of killing hostages, etc.

I believe it's been ruled a legal police entry since they had a warrant, but the warrant was obtained on false evidence.

What would they do if you were armed and defended yourself in the chaos? The only place for murder/attempted murder charges to fall is on the prankster, no? I'm not suggesting that it is right to knowingly fire on officers of the law, but in the heat of the moment who knows what you might think is happening.

What would you personally do if heavily armed and armored men breached your door and cleared your house when you've done nothing wrong?

I honestly think there should be clear lines that have to be drawn to prevent armed assaults when they have no evidence of the situation taking place other than a phone call.

 

[Valvestate]

If it's a hostage supposed situation, wouldn't just busting in be the worst possible course of action? No trying to peep in to just see a family having dinner or watching tv?

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

I don't believe IMPD SWAT has had the "pleasure" of being SWATed yet, but phylodog could correct me if I'm wrong. I do know that our team doesn't just go busting through the door all willy-nilly based solely on what was stated in a call to 911. There are written procedures in place that dictate how SWAT must be requested and the actions they take once onscene.

 

[BravoMike]

I don't believe IMPD SWAT has had the "pleasure" of being SWATed yet, but phylodog could correct me if I'm wrong. I do know that our team doesn't just go busting through the door all willy-nilly based solely on what was stated in a call to 911. There are written procedures in place that dictate how SWAT must be requested and the actions they take once onscene.

Awh shucks! *kicks rocks*

SOPs suck!

 

[kickbacked]

I don't believe IMPD SWAT has had the "pleasure" of being SWATed yet, but phylodog could correct me if I'm wrong. I do know that our team doesn't just go busting through the door all willy-nilly based solely on what was stated in a call to 911. There are written procedures in place that dictate how SWAT must be requested and the actions they take once onscene.

ya right, from what i hear you coppers blow down doors for looking at you funny

 

[IndyDave1776]

I don't believe IMPD SWAT has had the "pleasure" of being SWATed yet, but phylodog could correct me if I'm wrong. I do know that our team doesn't just go busting through the door all willy-nilly based solely on what was stated in a call to 911. There are written procedures in place that dictate how SWAT must be requested and the actions they take once onscene.

True. As phylodog has previously pointed out, following well developed procedures and plenty of training and discipline have conspired to keep the IMPD SWAT team from finding itself under the harsh light of post-screwup scrutiny. Unfortunately, not all SWAT teams are created equal. Kudos to those who invest the thought and effort necessary to prevent such failures with or without outside assistance in creating the opportunity for a most unfortunate event.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

One particular department VERY close to me could learn a thing or ten from Frank and Phylodog. Keep up the good work guys!

As to the OP, Yeah we are pretty aware of SWATting and the consequences thereof. There are several threads about it and usually a new one every coupld weeks or so.

 

[Vic_Mackey]

One particular department VERY close to me could learn a thing or ten from Frank and Phylodog. Keep up the good work guys!

As to the OP, Yeah we are pretty aware of SWATting and the consequences thereof. There are several threads about it and usually a new one every coupld weeks or so.

Not sure how long you've been back on since your incident, but welcome back!

You know, you could always go SWATing on them next time you see those lovely guys acting out of order lol

 

[AndersonIN]

I don't believe IMPD SWAT has had the "pleasure" of being SWATed yet, but phylodog could correct me if I'm wrong. I do know that our team doesn't just go busting through the door all willy-nilly based solely on what was stated in a call to 911. There are written procedures in place that dictate how SWAT must be requested and the actions they take once onscene.

Ah CRAP what ever happened to the good old days when you could just go "ALL WILLY-NILLY" on someone and not get in trouble????

 

[gunowner930]

There was a story in the news tonight about an increase in SWATing pranks recently, and I figured I'd hop on INGO and start a discussion if there wasn't one already.

In case you don't know, SWATing is where someone prank calls the police and fakes a situation that is certain to invoke a SWAT response on the pranked person's residence.

Do you have a link to this?

 

[JettaKnight]

There was a story in the news tonight about an increase in SWATing pranks recently...

Is this another story like rainbow parties and pharm'ing?

Is so, then this discussion is about pointless.

BUT...

There's 5-10 guys who train constantly and do this stuff repeatedly. They're heavily armed, they have the element of surprise and you ask who's to blame when you take them out?

I figure comply and sorting it out later is better than death.

 

[netsecurity]

Is this another story like rainbow parties and pharm'ing?

Is so, then this discussion is about pointless.

BUT...

There's 5-10 guys who train constantly and do this stuff repeatedly. They're heavily armed, they have the element of surprise and you ask who's to blame when you take them out?

I figure comply and sorting it out later is better than death.

I think you miss his point. What if the homeowner, or anyone else, is killed? Is the SWATTER guilty of murder? I'd say yes. In gunplay anyone could die, no matter how well trained, just ask our special forces.

 

[JettaKnight]

I think you miss his point. What if the homeowner, or anyone else, is killed? Is the SWATTER guilty of murder? I'd say yes. In gunplay anyone could die, no matter how well trained, just ask our special forces.

I'll save the what-ifs and whodunnits for the rest of you all.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

I have one thing to say: SB1

 

[AndersonIN]

I have one thing to say: SB1

SB1 – ShowerBuddy - Showerbuddy : Showerbuddy

Wow?

 

[Expat]

I think you miss his point. What if the homeowner, or anyone else, is killed? Is the SWATTER guilty of murder? I'd say yes. In gunplay anyone could die, no matter how well trained, just ask our special forces.

That's why these need to be taken seriously and the "prankster" charged with attempted murder.

 

[AndersonIN]

That's why these need to be taken seriously and the "prankster" charged with attempted murder.

How do you plan on proving intent?

 

[nineball481]

You are allowed to defend yourself against anyone in Indiana, including police (if they enter unlawfully or present harm unlawfully). Though I imagine it would not turn out well for you.

Indiana Code 35-41-3

"the general assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of this state to recognize the unique character of a citizen's home and to ensure that a citizen feels secure in his or her own home against unlawful intrusion by another individual or a public servant."

I imagine that the SWAT would have a warrant like was previously mentioned..... Don't know how that would play out legally if swat entered and you tried to defend yourself...
Honestly, at that level of commitment by the police, I don't see the homeowner drawing a weapon and walking out of the house.

 

[CathyInBlue]

I've been swatted, but it was a very low grade swatting. So low, it was just using regular officers, not SWAT officers.

Adventures in Hoplophobia

 

[wolfts01]

Is this another story like rainbow parties and pharm'ing?

Is so, then this discussion is about pointless.

BUT...

There's 5-10 guys who train constantly and do this stuff repeatedly. They're heavily armed, they have the element of surprise and you ask who's to blame when you take them out?

I figure comply and sorting it out later is better than death.

I did not mean to imply that the homeowner would be victorious, but I imagine he/she would do some damage. How would the law and the media convey this? I would think a no-knock breach would require positive proof of a dangerous situation. It is possible the judge who granted the warrant could have some fault.

I have also heard of cartels using SWAT-style assaults to kidnap people, so you never know for sure who is attacking.