Fake Calls Tie Up Police: Schools, Celebs, and Hospitals in the Crosshairs
Emergency Services Face Wasted Resources Due to Fake Calls
Southern California's emergency services are grappling with a rising issue: fake calls, known as swatting, that divert crucial time and resources. These hoax calls deceive police into dispatching SWAT teams to non-existent emergencies, instilling real fear and disruption.
Students and Schools Targeted
Students like Sabrina Wong from Blair High School in Pasadena have experienced the terror firsthand. In September 2025, a swatting call led to a lockdown at her school. Armed police swarmed the campus, and students were instructed to hide. Sabrina's parents were horrified, fearing the worst. It turned out to be a prank, but the impact was undeniable.
Beyond Schools: Hospitals and Celebrities Affected
Swatting isn't limited to schools. Hospitals, such as Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, and even celebrities' homes, like Gordon Ramsay's in Bel Air, have been targeted. LAPD Deputy Chief David Kowalski calls it "digital terrorism." These calls are challenging to trace, often originating from encrypted phones, and many suspects are under 18.
Alarming Frequency of Swatting Incidents
The frequency of these calls is concerning. In 2024, the LAPD received at least 59 false emergency reports. In the first half of 2025, there were 72 swatting-related incidents in LA County. Police are training dispatchers to identify swatting calls, but they still must respond to each one.
Consequences and Challenges
The repercussions of swatting extend beyond wasted resources. It raises doubts about public reactions in genuine emergencies. As Sabrina's mother, Lauren, worries, "If the actual one happens, are people going to react the way they should?"
Efforts to Combat Swatting
Despite the challenges, police occasionally catch the culprits. Pasadena police arrested a juvenile for the Blair High School swatting call. However, with the ease of making these calls and the anonymity the internet provides, swatting remains a persistent issue.
