BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton Police say the city has received several swatting calls over the course of the last week, prompting law enforcement responses to locations where no actual emergency existed.
The Boca Raton Police Services Department addressed the incidents in a May 12 release, warning residents that swatting is not a prank. It is a criminal offense and can carry prison time. The statement comes days after we reported on swatting incidents at Spanish River High School, Town Center at Boca Raton, and Boca Raton Elementary School. There were also reports of other area schools receiving similar threats.
Swatting generally refers to a false emergency report made to generate a large police response. In Boca Raton, police said the recent calls involved false reports intended to send officers to city locations under the belief that a public safety threat may be taking place.
The department did not identify the specific locations involved in the recent calls. Police also did not say whether anyone has been charged.
The issue matters locally because these calls can pull officers away from real emergencies. Boca Raton Police said swatting calls are dangerous, disruptive and a misuse of emergency resources. They create fear and confusion for community members and divert officers away from legitimate calls for service.
Police said they do not want to cause alarm, but the department also made clear that calls involving potential threats to public safety will continue to be treated seriously.
That means residents may still see large police responses when threats are reported, even if the call later turns out to be false. Officers will respond, check the area and look for suspicious or criminal activity.
The investigations can be difficult.
Boca Raton Police said callers often use tools such as VPNs, or virtual private networks, to hide their identity and location. Some calls are traced back to foreign countries, making it harder to quickly determine who placed the call and where it came from.
Police said those investigations are extensive and time-intensive. The department said it remains committed to pursuing those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.
For residents, the practical takeaway is direct: police activity connected to a reported threat does not automatically mean an actual emergency has been found. It may be part of a precautionary response while officers confirm whether a threat is real.
At the same time, Boca Raton Police said all reports involving potential public safety threats will continue to receive a response.
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