A significant police presence was visible 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, held at Duchess Park Secondary School on Thursday, involved numerous uniformed and plainclothes officers, police vehicles, and armored vehicles. Actors were employed to simulate an active threat scenario to enhance the realism and intensity experienced by police officers in such situations, according to Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, a media relations officer for Prince George RCMP.
The training exercise featured dynamic elements such as loud noises, yelling, and screaming to provide a realistic experience for participants and residents in the neighborhood. While the exercise was not a direct response to the mass shooting incident in Tumbler Ridge in February 2026, Cooper clarified that it formed part of the ongoing training regimen for the RCMP.
The selection of the school building for the exercise was deliberate, taking advantage of the absence of students during the summer break. Insp. Chris Riddle, the operations officer for Prince George RCMP, emphasized that the exercise aimed to expose patrol and general duty officers to real-life scenarios, forcing them to make quick decisions under pressure to ensure public safety. The scenarios focused on situations where individuals were causing harm to others, preparing officers to identify and neutralize threats effectively.
Cooper shared her past experience participating in a similar training exercise as an actor with the Abbotsford Police Department, highlighting the chaos and challenges faced by victims in such scenarios. Riddle expressed the intention to organize more live-action training events in the future to enhance officer preparedness and development continually.
The collaborative effort of the North District Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and General Investigative Section during the training exercise underscored the commitment of Prince George RCMP to equip its members with the necessary skills and experience to handle high-stress situations effectively.
