Durham Police Conclude Pickering School Threat Poses No Credible Risk
Durham Regional Police have announced that a threat directed at William Dunbar Public School in Pickering last week is not considered credible, despite ongoing investigations into several recent incidents at the educational institution. The police issued a statement on Monday emphasizing their commitment to community safety while addressing the understandable concerns raised by students, staff, families, and local residents.
Lockdown Incident and Police Response
The school, located in the Dixie Road and Finch Avenue area of Pickering, was placed under lockdown on January 27 following a threatening phone call. Upon police arrival, the situation was downgraded to a hold and secure protocol as authorities commenced their investigation. Durham police have clarified that while multiple investigations involving the school are active, they do not believe there is any immediate public safety risk to the school community based on current information.
To ensure ongoing security, police will maintain an increased presence in the vicinity and have deployed a school liaison unit to conduct additional visits. These measures aim to provide support, engage with students and staff, and reinforce safety and reporting practices. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incidents to contact the West Division Criminal Investigation Branch or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
Parental Backlash and School Board Review
The threat and the school's response have sparked significant backlash from parents, who organized a rally outside the school on Monday to voice their frustrations. Attendees reported that their trust has been repeatedly shaken due to a series of recent incidents, with some alleging that students as young as six years old were left unattended during the lockdown.
In a statement to CP24, parents and caregivers criticized what they described as "delayed, inconsistent and inaccurate information" from school officials. They argued that these communication failures have "undermined parental confidence" in the school and board's ability to ensure student safety during emergencies. One parent, Sam Snyders, emphasized the need for parental involvement in safety decisions, stating, "What we are asking for is a seat at the table when decisions are being made that revolve around our children’s safety and well-being."
School Board's Statement and Internal Review
The Durham District School Board has acknowledged the parental concerns and is conducting a review of the incident with administration and staff. In a statement to CP24, the board explained that they followed police guidance and communicated with families at multiple points during the evolving situation, which occurred partly during the lunch period, leading to variability across the school environment.
The board has committed to providing additional support and training to ensure clarity and consistency in future responses. They also noted the challenges of communication during police-led investigations, stating, "When situations involve police-led investigations, there are limits to what the school and board can communicate while that work is ongoing." The board expressed understanding of family frustrations regarding the level of detail shared and confirmed they are taking feedback seriously.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between ensuring school safety, conducting thorough investigations, and maintaining transparent communication with concerned parents in the Pickering community.
