If a dispatcher suspects a call is a prank or "swatting", what should they do?

When a dispatcher suspects that a call might be a prank or "swatting," the most appropriate action is to keep the caller on the line and gather as much information as possible. This helps to determine the legitimacy of the call and to gather critical details that can assist law enforcement in assessing the situation.

By engaging with the caller, the dispatcher can ask specific questions to gauge the circumstances and intent of the call, which could potentially reveal whether it is a genuine threat or a false alarm. This information is crucial for ensuring safety and directing the appropriate response if necessary. Additionally, maintaining the connection with the caller prevents them from hanging up, which could limit the information available to the authorities.

In contrast, hanging up immediately would eliminate any chance of gathering useful information, while transferring the call or sending emergency responders without adequate assessment could waste resources or place responders at unnecessary risk. Therefore, actively obtaining information is the best practice in handling uncertain or suspicious calls.