Officials Issue Statement On Recent ‘Swatting’ Calls In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Officials have issued a joint statement after Hamden has been targeted by several “swatting” calls over the past week.

The swatting calls, which officials said have come from an anonymous out-of-state system, have reported bomb threats at Hamden schools and retail businesses.

The “swatting” incidents are part of a trend that has been seen at other schools in Connecticut recently/

The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as "a malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a (false) severe, ongoing crisis at a specific location. The goal of swatting is to provoke a significant law enforcement response, creating chaos and potentially resulting in violence."

“While these threats have been determined to be non-credible and do not represent a known threat to our community, the Town of Hamden, the Hamden Police Department, Hamden Fire Department and Hamden Public Schools take each and every report seriously,” according to a joint statement from Mayor Adam Sendroff, Police Chief Edward Page Reynolds, Fire Chief Shelly L. Carter, and Superintendent of Schools Gary Highsmith. “The men and women of the Hamden Police Department and the Hamden Fire Department have responded to each incident and have worked to ensure the safety of our students, staff, residents, and businesses. Chief Reynolds and Chief Carter are working with state and federal agencies to identify the person or persons responsible for these false reports. Mayor Sendroff, Superintendent Highsmith, Chief Carter, and Chief Reynolds remain in close communication regarding each incident and are committed first and foremost to the safety of the Hamden community.

“These false reports create unnecessary stress and fear for students, staff, families, business owners, employees, and residents. They also divert critical police, fire, and emergency resources away from day-to-day operations. Despite this disruption, all emergency reports will continue to be treated as credible until proven otherwise. The Hamden Police Department and Hamden Fire Department are also working closely with Hamden Public Schools, school staff, and affected businesses to ensure a coordinated and professional response.

“We thank the men and women of the Hamden Fire Department, the Hamden Police Department, Hamden Dispatch, and Hamden Public Schools for their professionalism, care, and steady response during each of these incidents.

“Please remember: if you face a threat, receive a threat, or become aware of an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.”