(4-2-26) The Portland Police Department is currently investigating multiple incidents involving the crime commonly referred to as “swatting,” which have recently targeted locations within the City of Portland.

“Swatting” is a form of criminal harassment that involves deceiving an emergency service (via such means as hoaxing an emergency services dispatcher) into sending a police or emergency response team to another person’s location. This is achieved by false reporting of a serious law enforcement emergency, such as a bomb threat, mass shooting, domestic violence, murder, hostage situation, or a false report of a mental health emergency, such as that a person is suicidal or homicidal and armed, among other things.

These incidents are not only illegal but pose a significant risk to public safety, first responders, and the community. The Portland Police Department takes these matters very seriously and is actively working in coordination with federal law enforcement partners to identify those responsible.

Bottom Line in Indiana

  • A typical swatting case in Indiana is prosecuted as a Level 6 felony, carrying:
  • Up to 2.5 years in prison Up to $10,000 fine Possible restitution
  • If someone is injured or killed because of the false report, much more serious felony charges could follow.

Our goal is to ensure that any individuals involved are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

We appreciate the community’s continued cooperation and vigilance