Arrest made after ‘concerning online behaviour’ aimed at high school students in B.C. Interior | CBC News
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RCMP arrested one person during an investigation into “suspicious online activity linked to a local high school.”
Police in the North Okanagan said in a statement that on March 9 they were “notified about concerning online behaviour that was being directed toward students at a secondary school in Armstrong,” about 65 km north of Kelowna.
“One person was arrested in relation to this incident and has since been released on strict conditions,” Cst. Chris Terleski said in the release.
The release did not provide any more information about the nature of the activity or the arrest.
‘Heightened concern’ after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Neither police nor the school district accepted requests for an interview with CBC News, but the district also prepared a written statement outlining the protocol it follows to maintain student safety.
“Our district follows the International Threat Assessment Protocol when information is received regarding worrisome behaviour,” the statement, attributed to Supt. Donna Kriger, said.
“In these situations, we work closely with Safer Schools Together, an international organization with extensive expertise in threat assessment, as well as with the RCMP, to ensure that relevant information is shared and that a coordinated, careful response takes place. This is a well-established process that is used consistently by school districts across British Columbia.”
Safer Schools Together is listed as a Surrey-based organization that provides a number of training courses and services, including “worrisome online behaviour reports.” Its leadership team includes individuals with backgrounds in policing, education and anti-gang activity.
The district’s statement also says it recognizes “the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge have understandably heightened concern for families and school communities,” and that school officials had “devoted significant time and attention to reviewing and responding to this situation.”
“Please be assured that the safety and well-being of students and staff remains our highest priority.”