We all know stories of misguided individuals who called in threats to schools on the day of a big test, or tried to get a person in trouble with the law by making false accusations against them in a 911 call. These situations are no laughing matter.
Ohio's Senate Judiciary Committee is reviewing state Senate Bill 292, which was introduced in March by state Sen. Andrew Brenner. The measure would increase the penalty for swatting from mostly being considered a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Swatting is a false report to law enforcement or an emergency center that results in first responders being misdirected.
It happened recently when five Ohio high schools went into lockdown after false reports of an active shooter. Police said calls came in regarding Princeton High School in Sharonville, Belmont High School in Dayton, Catholic High School in Springfield, Scott High School in Toledo, and Findlay High School in Findlay. All five were confirmed to be false.
What an irresponsible and dangerous thing to do.
Brenner was right to introduce SB 292. Perhaps a stiffer penalty will deter pranksters who do not understand the severity of such a crime. Lawmakers should be given the chance to take action on SB 292 as soon as possible.