(Image Credit: File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Teena Monteleone

Violent Threat Risk Assessment

Prince Albert Police, RCMP detail active shooter preparedness

Feb 18, 2026 | 7:00 AM

In the wake of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., many are questioning whether a similar tragedy could happen locally.

Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier said these incidents force police agencies to reflect on their readiness.

“We continually have discussions about it not being a matter of if, it’s more of a matter of when, unfortunately.”

While Canadians often look south of the border when discussing mass shootings, Nogier noted the issue is not confined to the United States.

“A recent stat was, since 2000, there’s been 80 such occurrences [shooting incidents with four or more victims] that have been categorized as mass casualty incidents in Canada. So, we know that we have to be prepared.”

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Nogier said active shooter situations are hard to respond to since they are so immediate and volatile. He said they don’t have the luxury of going to a predetermined plan. Instead, officers are trained to move directly toward the threat.

“The Prince Albert Police Service is trained to respond to active threats regardless of where they occur in our community. Our officers will go to that threat and do what they can to neutralize that threat as quickly as possible.

“Patrol will be primarily the first units to respond. We will try and supplement patrol immediately with any tactical resources that are available, and then we will do what we can to try and mitigate the amount of impact that it’s having on the community.”

Nogier said training begins at the recruitment level and continues throughout officers’ careers, including specific preparation for schools and public places. In September 2024, 25 members completed advanced hostile environment training.

“We’re lucky in Prince Albert that we have the ability to go to some of these schools and train on-site in facilities. So that knowledge and awareness is amongst our organization, which helps in the response.”

He acknowledged improvements can still be made, particularly around mapping and coordination with school security plans.

“Where we think there’s an opportunity to do better is making sure that those security plans align with how our response looks going into those situations.”

Prevention is another major focus. Nogier highlighted the Violent Threat Risk Assessment program which 32 officers are trained in. He described the approach as proactive.

“It’s getting ahead of the situation prior to responding to the situation.”

Following news of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, he said a local VTRA response was initiated.

The Saskatchewan RCMP said it also works closely with schools through the School Action for Emergencies (SAFE) program.

In an email to paNOW, Saskatchewan RCMP said: “the national SAFE plan database houses all RCMP school emergency plans. The database ensures a standardized method for information collection and dissemination and access for officers responding to a school emergency. All Saskatchewan RCMP officers are trained in active threat scenarios utilizing the IARD (Immediate Action Rapid Deployment) policy and training.”

SAFE plans are reviewed annually, usually at the beginning of each school year and police officers make regular visits to schools in their detachment areas and make changes as required. The RCMP said the SAFE plans are specific to school incidents. Other mass casualty scenarios utilize initial critical incident response training.

The RCMP said schools practice lockdown drills several times a year, often with officers present to provide feedback, emphasizing that collaboration between school boards and law enforcement is key to community safety.

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 teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com