On Monday morning, police responded to a weapons-related call in Kitchener, prompting significant security measures in local schools. One high school entered a lockdown, while three others adopted a hold and secure protocol.
Kitchener School Lockdown and Security Measures
The schools affected by this incident include:
- Grand River Collegiate Institute: currently in lockdown.
- Crestview Public School: under hold and secure.
- Chicopee Hills Public School: under hold and secure.
- Stanley Park Public School: under hold and secure.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service has increased its presence around Indian Road and Heritage Drive. Residents in the area are advised to expect a heavier police presence as investigations continue.
Safety Protocols in Schools
The Waterloo Region District School Board has issued a statement regarding the situation. According to the board, students at Grand River Collegiate Institute must remain in their classrooms due to the lockdown. Access to the school is limited during this time.
Parents and caregivers are urged not to call the school during the lockdown. The board emphasized that the safety of students is the top priority for staff.
The lockdown is initiated in response to a serious incident or potential threat related to school violence. Conversely, a hold and secure is implemented when a situation outside the school poses risks but does not directly involve the school. During a hold and secure, normal operations continue inside the school while exterior doors remain locked until the situation is resolved.
