What has been described as a simple misunderstanding is quite indicative of how serious law enforcement handles matters posing potential violence in a school in this day and age.
Cochrane RCMP responded to a possible threat of a firearm being brought to Cochrane High School (CHS) on Jan. 23, which not only threw the school into a brief state of lockdown, but also resulted in Manachaban Middle School and Elizabeth Barrett Elementary following suit.
CHS principal Susan Poole kept students’ parents up to date on the situation via email. The first indicated that school administration had received a tip that there was a potential threat to the school, and that as per their crisis response protocol, students and staff moved into an internal lockdown.
A follow-up email said that RCMP had determined that the incident was a result of a misunderstanding between two individuals.
Police said their investigation found that one male student had expressed to another student an interest in purchasing a firearm to learn how to shoot, as they had aspirations in the field of law enforcement, and that the conversation was misinterpreted and blown out of proportion.
Rocky View Schools’ director of communications Angela Spanier indicated it was a text message that was brought to the attention of a staff member, and not being able to read the message first-hand, a lockdown was implemented.
RCMP did interview the student and parents, who confirmed that the purchase of a firearm had been discussed within the family and that it was decided not to pursue the firearm acquisition at the present time.
The lockdown lasted 10-15 minutes and at this time, no charges are being laid.
This incident comes at a time when school shootings are fresh in many minds, with the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. at Sandy Hook Elementary School only a month and a half old.
Police said school staff did an excellent job responding quickly to the incident and ensuring students were safe.
