Over the past month or so I've received multiple requests from other journalists to talk on background about what can be done about the swatting problem.
My replies could fill several pages of toots here, but one area that I think is important to focus on involves getting some mandatory, uniform reporting federally when these violent crimes occur at the state and local level (which they almost always do).
The Uniform Crime Reporting Program is voluntary for most agencies, but it is mandatory for federal law enforcement entities. It has categories for violent crimes like murder, rape, and assault. But is there a category for swatting? Would that be helpful in getting a better gauge on the size of this problem? I think so.
Anyway, I got a response from the DOJ. Short answer, there is no category for it. Also, a newish FBI entity created specifically to track these incidents has seen over 550 swatting incidents reported since May 1, 2023. Here's their official statement:
"In response to the national call on swatting, the FBI initiated the Virtual Command Center (VCC) known as the National Common Operation Picture (NCOP). The NCOP-VCC is a collaborative effort between the FBI and law enforcement partners to track and create a real-time picture of swatting incidents. Established in May 2023, this initiative is open to any law enforcement agencies and fusion centers who wish to participate in tracking and sharing swatting information in respective jurisdictions. Since its inception, there have been over 550 swatting incidents reported to the FBI’s NCOP-VCC since May 1, 2023."
Maybe if you said #reformThePolice instead of #defundThePolice it might go down better. Our police (UK) are bad enough, but AIUI yours make them look like angels.
Of course, our police are generally armed with tasers and batons, not guns. Because over here guns are outlawed, and outlaws don't generally have (or want) guns.
@gratefuldread
“There was no investigation into who the individual was who has these images in their possession,” Shah said. “It went right to punishing her, which unfortunately is all too common in a system that really isn’t designed to help first, but rather to punish first.”
It’s a mindset. #ReformThePolice#VoteBlue