Hoaxes and False Alarms
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will increase sanctions for people who make fake (a) bomb threats and (b) calls to the emergency services.
Answered by Dame Diana Johnson
Making a bomb threat or other any other type of hoax phone call to the emergency services is a criminal offence. All calls to the emergency services are recorded and the number can be traced, even if withheld. Local services regularly remind the public of the serious consequences of hoax calls.
Emergency services may also request a Communications Provider to place a temporary restriction on the account of the hoax/nuisance caller. However, contact management, including the management of hoax calls, is an operational matter for services. Any decision is for the emergency authority to take.
There are existing mechanisms in place for emergency services to share information on hoax callers and where hoax calling is deliberate, policing may use legislation to prosecute persistent offenders.
The Home Office currently has no plans to review the sanctions against those making bomb threats or hoax calls to emergency services.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →