A bill to expand the crime of false reporting to include shootings or other dangerous incidents in Rhode Island is headed to the Senate.
The House passed a bill Thursday to amend existing law that only criminalizes false bomb threats.
The sponsor of the bill, North Kingstown state Representative Kathleen Fogarty, said false reports, known as swatting," can create risky situations at schools or other locations, and tie-up law enforcement resources.
“These false reports not only waste resources by mobilizing law enforcement unnecessarily, but they can be extremely dangerous,” said Representative Fogarty. “They can create risky situations at schools and other public places and tie up first responders who may be needed at legitimate emergencies.”
The phenomenon commonly known as “swatting” occurs when a false report of an ongoing emergency or threat of violence is made to law enforcement with the intention of prompting the mobilization of significant law enforcement resources.
These calls are becoming more and more prevalent around the country.
(Photo: Rhode Island General Assembly Photo)