Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 4523, also known as the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2021, aims to address the issue of swatting, a dangerous and potentially deadly prank in which individuals make false reports to law enforcement in order to send armed officers to a particular location.

The bill specifically targets those who engage in swatting by imposing harsh penalties, including fines and imprisonment, on individuals found guilty of making false reports that result in a SWAT team being dispatched. The legislation also requires law enforcement agencies to develop and implement policies to prevent swatting incidents and to provide training to officers on how to respond to such calls in a safe and effective manner.

Additionally, the bill establishes a national database to track swatting incidents and requires the Department of Justice to report annually to Congress on the prevalence of swatting and the effectiveness of efforts to combat it. Overall, the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2021 seeks to protect both the public and law enforcement officers from the dangers posed by swatting incidents and to hold those responsible for such actions accountable for their actions.