A significant police presence was visible at a local high school and its surrounding area in Prince George, B.C., as the RCMP conducted a live emergency response training exercise this week. Uniformed and undercover officers, along with police vehicles and armored vehicles, gathered at Duchess Park Secondary School on Thursday for the simulation, which involved actors portraying an active threat scenario. Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the media relations officer for Prince George RCMP, mentioned that the use of actors added realism and intensity to the training.
Residents in the vicinity were advised to expect loud noises, yelling, and screaming during the dynamic simulation. Cooper clarified that the training event was not a direct response to a previous school shooting in Tumbler Ridge but rather part of the ongoing training initiatives of the RCMP. The choice of the school facility was strategic as it was empty of students due to the summer break, allowing for a variety of scenarios to be executed.
Insp. Chris Riddle, the operations officer for Prince George RCMP, highlighted that the exercise involved various specialized units such as the North District Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and General Investigative Section. The objective was to provide practical experience to patrol and general duty members in high-stress situations requiring quick decision-making for sound tactical outcomes.
The training scenarios were designed to simulate situations involving harm to individuals, ensuring that officers are prepared to identify and neutralize threats to prevent further harm to the public. Cooper shared her prior experience participating in similar training exercises as an actor with the Abbotsford Police Department, emphasizing the valuable perspective it offered on the challenges faced by police officers.
Riddle expressed intentions to organize more live-action training events for Prince George officers in the future, aiming to enhance their skills and preparedness through regular training sessions. Participating in such exercises was described as a rewarding experience for the officers, helping them develop their capabilities for handling real-life emergency situations effectively.