A significant police presence was evident at a local high school and its surrounding area in Prince George, B.C., this week as the RCMP conducted a live emergency response training exercise. The event at Duchess Park Secondary School on Thursday involved numerous uniformed and undercover officers, police vehicles, and armored units, utilizing actors to simulate an active threat situation. Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the media relations officer for Prince George RCMP, highlighted that the use of actors enhanced the realism and intensity experienced by police officers in such scenarios.
Residents in the vicinity were informed that they might hear loud noises, shouting, and commotion due to the dynamic nature of the simulated scenario. Cooper clarified that the training was not a response to the recent school shooting in Tumbler Ridge but rather part of the ongoing training regimen of the RCMP. The selection of the school building was strategic as it was vacant of students during the summer, allowing for a variety of scenarios to be enacted.
Insp. Chris Riddle, the operations officer for Prince George RCMP, emphasized that the exercise complemented the local training unit’s efforts by bringing together various specialized teams like the North District Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and General Investigative Section. Riddle stressed the importance of preparing patrol and general duty officers for real-life situations where immediate decisions are crucial for public safety.
Both Cooper and Riddle shared their personal experiences with training exercises, underscoring the value of such simulations in preparing officers for the challenges they may face. Riddle expressed his intention to organize more live-action training events for Prince George’s officers to enhance their skills and readiness regularly. He emphasized the positive impact such training had on members’ development and their ability to handle demanding situations effectively.