ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the phenomenon of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)ing is an example of episodic deviancy and explores this through a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework. It focuses on "SWATing" a prank wherein a harasser falsely triggers an emergency police response against an unsuspecting victim. Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the medium of choice because it allows the SWATer to give the impression that the request for emergency assistance is being made by the target directly. Legal scholars, law enforcement agents, news reporters, and the general public have attempted to explain, at least tentatively, why SWATing occurs, as well as advise on what should be done with the SWATers. SWATing offences have been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada as public mischief, mischief to property, uttering death threats, and conveying false information with intent to alarm. The chapter demonstrates that the general discourse seeks to locate the criminogenic qualities that enable SWATers to emerge and run amok.
