A significant police presence was observed at a local high school and its surrounding area in Prince George, B.C., during an emergency response training exercise conducted by the RCMP this week. The training scenario involved dozens of police officers, both uniformed and plainclothes, along with police vehicles, gathering at Duchess Park Secondary School on Thursday to participate in a simulated active threat situation using actors.
Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the media relations officer for Prince George RCMP, mentioned that incorporating actors in the exercise added realism and intensity to help officers prepare for live scenarios. The training involved loud noises, yelling, and screaming to create a dynamic simulation. Cooper clarified that the training was not a direct response to the mass shooting incident in Tumbler Ridge earlier in February 2026 but was part of the routine training conducted by the RCMP.
The choice of the school for the training exercise was due to it being unoccupied by students during the summer, providing an ideal setting for various scenario simulations. Insp. Chris Riddle, the Prince George RCMP operations officer, highlighted that the exercise involved collaboration among different RCMP units like the North District Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and General Investigative Section to enhance the tactical decision-making skills of patrol and general duty members in stressful situations.
Riddle emphasized that the scenarios focused on dealing with individuals causing harm to others, ensuring that officers are trained to identify and neutralize threats effectively. Cooper shared her experience of participating in a similar training exercise as an actor before becoming a police officer, emphasizing the value of understanding the challenges officers face daily.
Both Cooper and Riddle expressed their intentions to conduct more live-action training events for Prince George officers in the future to enhance their skills and preparedness for real-life situations. They highlighted the positive impact of such training on the officers’ development and their readiness to handle challenging scenarios effectively.