RIDGE Meadows RCMP and School District 42 are continuing to collaborate in conducting lockdown drills across high schools across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Led by the Ridge Meadows RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), lockdown drills are intended to keep students, staff and volunteers safe and prepared in the event of threat within or outside the school building.

During a lockdown drill, hallways are cleared, lights are switched off and doors are closed and secured as students and staff await direction advising that the lockdown has been lifted.

“Signs are displayed outside the school to indicate that a lockdown drill is in progress,” said Cpl. Paul Duff with CRU. “Police walk the hallways with school administrators to help identify any potential issues during the drill.”

Ridge Meadows RCMP say they remain dedicated to keeping schools safe and practicing these important safety techniques to provide staff and students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively respond in emergency situations.

Lockdown drills are conducted in a controlled and transparent manner in consultation with the school district. The district aims to ensure that parents and guardians are informed in advance of the lockdown drills.