Some conservative commentators are the apparent targets of a potentially dangerous prank, where someone calls local police – apparently using VoIP technology – and falsely reports a violent incident is taking place at the commentator’s home.

By using Voice over IP (VoIP) and other newer telecom technology – it appears to authorities that the call is coming come from the residence. Police rush to the scene. The true identity of the caller is hidden.

Concerned about the incidents, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, (R-Ga.), has contacted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder via a letter. The senator says the calls are “harassing and frightening.” He wants to see if any federal laws were violated.

Often, in response to the call, a police dispatcher will send out police officers, and maybe even SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams to the residence. The hoaxes are known as "SWAT-ting."

On June 8, several bloggers will suspend blogging to bring attention to the dangers associated with SWAT-ting.

"Any potentially criminal action that incites fear, seeks to silence a dissenting opinion, and collaterally wastes the resources of law enforcement should be given close scrutiny at all levels,” Chambliss wrote Holder. “Regardless of any potential political differences that may exist, threats and intimidation have no place in our national political discourse. Those who choose to enter into that political discourse should not have to worry about potential threats to their or their family's safety."

It is believed that three conservative bloggers were victims recently of SWAT-ting. SWAT-ting victims include New Jersey’s Mike Stack, a blogger and Twitter (News - Alert) user; California blogger Patrick Frey, a deputy district attorney who posted details on a summer 2011 SWAT-ting at a residence on his blog; and CNN Contributor and RedState.com managing editor Erick Erickson, of Georgia, whose home was targeted by someone saying an “accidental shooting” took place there, according to a report from columnist Michelle Malkin.

In the past, in such incidents police have arrived at homes with their guns drawn – expecting to find armed suspects. TMCnet’s Rich Steeves reported earlier this year that Kurt Heise, a state representative in Michigan, has introduced a bill to make SWAT-ting a felony. “For some, it appears that the height of amusement is sitting back and watching a startled neighbor’s home invaded by specially trained law enforcement officials acting on bad information,” Steeves said.

Used properly – SWAT teams are vital for proper police response. Over recent years, SWAT teams and police emergency service units have saved many lives.