A police presence in Hanover (Monday) by the Congregational Church, on Silver Street, for a “swatting” incident.
Hanover Police Chief Tim Kane says they responded to the call immediately.
Chief Kane says the text message that came into the crisis center has been linked to several other “swatting” incidents where false information is called looking to provoke a large police and emergency response.
Any “swatting” incident is taken very seriously and those convicted can face significant jail time.
Chief Kane told WATD News that the penalty for a bomb threat is up to 20 years and a 50-thousand dollar fine. Swatting penalty for Massachusetts is imprisonment starting at 2 1/2 year for a first offense and up to 10 years for a subsequent offense.
Federal law would carry increased penalties should the threat result in injury or death.
