Crime & Safety
Should Police Tell the Media About Celebrity Swattings?
Sgt. Renato Moreno says Beverly Hills may follow the Los Angeles Police Department's lead and keep fake 911 calls secret.
The Beverly Hills Police Department is thinking about blacking out media coverage of celebrity swatting incidents.
Sgt. Renato Moreno, a media spokesperson for the BHPD, confirmed Friday that the matter is "still in discussion," but said the policy could be very similar to one adopted by the Los Angeles Police Department Thursday.
Find out what's happening in Beverly Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Los Angeles Times quotes LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith as saying that the LAPD will no longer issue press releases or confirm celebrity swatting.
Instead, also according to the Los Angeles Times, he said the media outlets must make a public records request.
Find out what's happening in Beverly Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Times says, according to Smith, the department has 10 business days to respond and can deny the request if it would compromise an investigation.
Moreno said swatting incidents tie up police resources and cost taxpayers money and may be fueled by media exposure.
A number have have occurred in the Los Angeles area over the last few months, including three in Beverly Hills since late November--with one just this week at the home of Ryan Seacrest.
Should the Beverly Hills Police Department follow the LAPD's lead and adopt a media black out on celebrity swatting?
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