(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board is clarifying details released by Cobourg Police Service following Monday’s incident at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School.
In an earlier media release, Cobourg Police stated they were actively investigating “a report of threats” at the school. As part of that investigation, officers conducted a search of the building and indicated the school had been placed in a “lockdown until further notice.”
However, Communications Manager Mark Guinta said that information was incorrect.
“The school was placed in a Hold and Secure, not a Lockdown as has been erroneously released,” said Guinta.
He explained that once police assessed the situation, the response evolved.
“Once police determined that an evacuation was the appropriate next step, the school immediately transitioned to that protocol. These decisions — including the timing and the move to our evacuation site, the Cobourg Community Centre — were made by law enforcement to ensure the most controlled and safe environment possible.”
Following the incident, school principal Jill Barker stated that both Cobourg Police and the Ontario Provincial Police conducted a “thorough sweep” of the building and ultimately cleared it.
When asked to clarify what that “thorough sweep” involved, Guinta directed further questions to Cobourg Police.
“Please refer those to the Cobourg Police Service, as they could answer how they conducted their investigation and how they cleared the school,” he said.
Understanding School Emergency Terms
Hold and Secure
Used when there is a potential threat outside the school.
Exterior doors are locked
Students and staff remain inside
Normal classroom activities continue
No entry or exit until cleared
Lockdown
Used when there is a direct or immediate threat inside the school.
Classroom doors are locked and barricaded
Lights are turned off
Students and staff hide quietly out of sight
Movement is strictly prohibited
Evacuation
Used when it is safer to leave the building (e.g., fire, bomb threat).
Students and staff exit the school in an orderly manner
Relocate to a pre-determined safe site
Attendance is taken to ensure everyone is accounted for
Shelter in Place (less common)
Used for environmental hazards (e.g., chemical spill, severe weather).
Building is sealed as much as possible
Ventilation may be shut off
Occupants remain indoors until safe”
Breaking News – Video – Photo Gallery – Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation at Cobourg High School
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
