A significant police presence was seen at a local high school and surrounding area in Prince George, B.C., this week for an emergency response training session conducted by the RCMP. The training involved numerous uniformed and plainclothes officers, police vehicles, and armored vehicles gathering at Duchess Park Secondary School on Thursday. The exercise utilized actors to simulate an active threat scenario to enhance the realism and intensity experienced by police officers in such situations, according to Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the media relations officer for Prince George RCMP.
The training scenario involved loud noises, shouting, and screaming to create a dynamic simulated situation. Cooper clarified that the exercise was not a direct response to the mass shooting incident in Tumbler Ridge in February 2026 but was part of the ongoing training regimen of the RCMP. The selected school building, being empty of students during the summer, provided an ideal setting for a variety of training scenarios.
Insp. Chris Riddle, the Prince George RCMP operations officer, highlighted that the training exercise involved multiple units, including the North District Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and General Investigative Section. The objective was to expose patrol and general duty officers to realistic scenarios that require quick decision-making under pressure.
Riddle emphasized that the training scenarios focused on situations involving individuals causing harm to others, ensuring that officers are prepared to handle such threats effectively. Cooper shared her past experience participating in similar training exercises as an actor before becoming a police officer, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from experiencing the challenges officers face daily.
Looking ahead, Riddle expressed the intention to organize more live-action training events for Prince George officers to enhance their skills continuously. He highlighted the positive impact of such training on officers, noting that participation in these scenarios is both rewarding and beneficial for their professional development.