People could face longer sentences, if they call 911 and a SWAT team responds to a fake call.
Republican Sen. Rob Cowles of Allouez was the co-author of the new law. He says prosecutors can file a felony charge for what’s called “swatting.”
He says it’s happened too many times in the past when SWAT teams have been called out, and absolutely nothing is going on. He believes some criminals try to use it as a diversion for police, while they commit other crimes.
Cowles says people can get hurt on the fake calls, because SWAT teams can go in with guns drawn. It’s also a tense situation for emergency responders.
Cowles says before the change, prosecutors could only charge people with a misdemeanor.
