Police Chiefs back anti-swatting bill Sunburn, Florida Politics, 2/12/2021 — The Florida Police Chiefs Association threw its support Thursday behind bills (HB 371/SB 1234) that would up penalties for "swatting." The FPCA President Jeff Pearson said, "The practice of 'swatting' happens when individuals falsely report a crime in the hopes of sending law enforcement, especially Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) forces, to an intended target's residence or place of business. Unfortunately, this practice has become more frequent, and its effects more expensive and destructive, both for the public and the law enforcement officers unwittingly put into those dangerous situations. The Florida Police Chiefs Association fully supports SB 1234 and HB 371, and commends Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. Chuck Brannan for sponsoring legislation to combat this emerging public safety issue."