UPDATE: Vernon school put on hold and secure due to ‘online behaviour’

Nov 17, 2021 | 4:20 PM

UPDATE: 4:20 p.m.

RCMP say reports of “concerning online behaviour” were the cause of a hold and secure being issued at Vernon Secondary School today.

Constable Chris Terleski said police were notified the security measure had been initiated at 1:30 p.m.

“The safety protocol was activated in response to reports of concerning online behaviour that were brought to the attention of School District staff,” Terleski explained.

Police attended the school and investigated the report which school district staff say was a threat.

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“As additional information became available, investigators conducted a thorough assessment of the situation and determined there was no credible threat to the safety of the students. Shortly before 3 p.m., the hold and secure was lifted and normal activities resumed,” said Terleski, media relations officer.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Constable Neil Horne, the detachment’s school resource officer, emphasized the safety of students will always be their first priority.

“In response to any concerning behaviour or potential threat, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of our schools. The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP want to thank the school, students, and parents for their support and patience during this incident.”

Vernon school put on hold and secure
Nov 17, 2021 | 3:25 PM

Official details have not been provided as yet, but students and staff at Vernon Secondary School were put under a security lockdown this afternoon.

A note sent to parents and students said VSS was placed in a Hold and Secure as a precaution while RCMP investigated a report. The procedure is used when there is a threat.

The school added a short time later, the RCMP advised the situation was under control and the additional security was lifted.

Christine Perkins, School District 22 superintendent, was not able to provide specific details of the incident, but said it was dealt with by the RCMP and “there was no direct threat to the safety and well-being of students.”

Vernon Matters has reached out to the RCMP for further details.

Unconfirmed reports said the incident may have involved someone showing up at the school with a knife.