Colleges and universities across the United States and Canada have experienced an increase in active shooter hoax calls, often referred to as "swatting." These false reports are intended to create fear, disrupt campus operations, and prompt a large emergency response from law enforcement.
Wayne State College works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to stay informed about these incidents and maintain a coordinated emergency response plan. Although swatting calls are intentionally false, every report must be treated as a legitimate emergency until it can be thoroughly investigated. The safety and well-being of our students, employees, and visitors remains our highest priority.
To learn more about how Wayne State College prepares for and responds to emergencies, including evacuation procedures, lockdowns, severe weather, and emergency communications, visit our Emergency Information page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is swatting?
Swatting is the act of making a false emergency report — often claiming there is an active shooter, bomb threat, or other serious incident — to trigger a large response from law enforcement. These hoax calls are intended to create fear, disrupt normal operations, and divert emergency resources from real incidents.
Swatting:
- Often involves false reports of active shooters, bomb threats, or hostage situations
- Can target schools, business, government agencies, places of worship, and individuals
- Is a criminal offense that carries serious legal penalities
How does swatting work?
Swatting often relies on publicly available information, online research, and social engineering to make a false emergency report appear believable. Individuals responsible for these hoaxes may use internet-based calling services, spoofed phone numbers, or other technologies to conceal their identity while attempting to convince emergency dispatchers that an immediate law enforcement response is needed.
Will the college notify me if there is an emergency?
Yes. Wayne State College uses the Rave Mobile Safety emergency notification system to communicate important information during emergencies. Depending on the situation, updates may also be shared through official college communication channels. Students and employees are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date and sign up for Rave alerts so they can receive emergency notifications promptly. Learn how Wayne State communicates during emergencies.
Can I tell if an emergency is a swatting incident?
In most situations, no. It is the responsibility of law enforcement to investigate and determine whether a reported emergency is legitimate or a hoax. Because it is impossible to know immediately whether a threat is real, every report is treated seriously until it has been investigated.
How do I respond to and report a call that may be swatting?
If you become aware of a possible emergency:
- Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
- Call Campus Security at 402-375-721 as soon as possible.
- Follow instructions provided through the Rave Mobile Safety system or by emergency responders.
- Do not assume a report is a hoax or attempt to investigate it yourself.
- Avoid sharing rumors or unverified information on social media while the situation is being assessed.
How does swatting decrease public safety?
Swatting incidents create serious risks for campus communities, emergency responders, and the public by:
- Diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel away from genuine emergencies
- Increasing the risk of unnecessary confrontations during emergency responses
- Creating fear, confusion, and disruption across campus
- Consuming significate public resources and taxpayer dollars
- Undermining confidence in emergency reporting systems
How can I prepare?
Wayne State College uses the Rave Mobile Safety emergency notification system to communicate important safety information during emergencies. Students and employees are encouraged to keep their contact information current and sign up for Rave alerts.
Preparing for an emergency begins with understanding how Wayne State College responds to a variety of emergency situations and how you'll receive important instructions. Visit our Emergency Information page to learn about emergency procedures, preparedness resources, and what to expect during different types of incidents.
Visit these pages on our website for additional resources.
Why would Wayne State College respond if many of these calls are hoaxes?
Every report of an active shooter or other serious threat must be treated as credible until law enforcement determines otherwise. Responding immediately helps ensure the safety of the campus community if a threat is real. While many reported incidents ultimately prove to be hoaxes, emergency responders cannot make that determination without first investigating.