A series of swatting calls targeting schools across Connecticut is creating anxiety for families and forcing police departments to devote significant resources to emergency responses. The threats include two swatting calls reported at Hamden schools last week. Police said the threats were not real, but officers were deployed, and school officials were forced to respond as if they were facing a genuine emergency.

Impact on Families and Law Enforcement

Swatting calls are false emergency reports designed to trigger a large law enforcement response. Hamden town leaders said the community has been hit with several such calls over the past week, disrupting schools and forcing families to adjust their schedules. One of the calls led to an early dismissal for Mariyyah Tillman’s 6-year-old daughter, disrupting her workday.

Residents said the calls create unnecessary fear for parents and students. The impact also extends to law enforcement agencies. The Hamden threats are two of at least 11 swatting calls targeting schools in nine Connecticut communities over the past week. Former Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara said every threat must be treated as credible until investigators determine otherwise.

Authorities said anyone caught making a swatting call could face prison time and fines of up to $5,000. Parents said the consequences of these false reports go beyond legal penalties, affecting families’ daily lives and creating stress throughout the community.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.