Understanding the Growing Threat of Swatting and Its Impact on Emergency Response Operations
Swatting tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) are evolving through the use of technologies such as caller ID spoofing, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, synthetic audio and open-source intelligence. ECCs must be prepared to identify, assess and respond to increasingly sophisticated forms of cyber-enabled deception. This report provides insight into current trends, operational challenges and emerging risks while offering recommendations to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination and enhance public safety resilience.
About the Report
This report is the result of a collaborative effort between APCO International and the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA), informed by the experiences and perspectives of 766 public safety communications professionals who participated in the 2026 APCO and PSTA ECC Swatting Survey.
The survey gathered information on incident frequency, common targets, technologies and tactics used by threat actors, training and policy gaps, and coordination and reporting practices across ECCs.
The findings highlight both the operational realities facing first responders today and the opportunities to strengthen training, standard operating procedures (SOPs), information sharing and interagency collaboration to better address swatting as an evolving cyber-physical threat.
Who conducted the survey?
APCO International & the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA).
Who took the survey?
766 public safety communications professionals.
What topics are covered?
- Incident frequency
- Common targets
- Technologies & tactics
- Training & policy gaps
- Coordination & reporting
- Recommendations
Download the Report
Appendix A: Cybersecurity and Cyber Physical Implications of Swatting (One-Pager)
