Survival experts discuss swatting calls in Pennsylvania schools

ALTOONA, Pennsylvania (WTAJ) — Police across Pennsylvania flocked to various high schools across the state on Wednesday after multiple swatting calls were made about an active shooter.

Founder and President of Survival Mindset Co., Ltd.Rick Capozzi says swatting calls are becoming more common as more imitators join in.

That’s as police flooded schools across the state after multiple false reports of school shootings. Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Bishop His Carol, Belfonte is one of his schools in the state.

Swatting is when someone makes a false report about a crime in progress. Capozzi says it can be difficult to distinguish what the caller’s motives are when making a swatting call.

“You never know what the motives are,” Capozzi said. “Are they looking for fame or glory? Are they just terrorists who want to cause trouble, create fear, or disrupt things? The company was in turmoil because they had children in school.

What makes this practice so popular, Capozzi says, is that you don’t have to be a tech expert.

Capozzi said:

In terms of prevention, he says location technology is improving all the time, and some of those who have made false reports have been arrested. Submitting a false report could have serious legal consequences, he said. Parents now play an important role in prevention.

“Children need to understand how serious this crime is, and how it literally poses a lifelong challenge,” Capozzi said. “Not to mention the fact that they could be jailed over it.”

The phone served as training for law enforcement and schools. Capozzi said he was impressed with the steps schools and law enforcement took to neutralize threats and keep those inside safe.