Lockdown Incident at CPRSS & MP Schools (November 1, 2022)

Dear Parents/Guardians, Students & Staff: 

At approximately 10:00 am this morning, we received notification from Brandon Police Service advising of an incident requiring police presence in the immediate area of Maryland Park School and Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School.   

Brandon Police Service advised Maryland Park School and Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School to initiate lockdown procedures until the matter could be resolved.  

Maryland Park School and Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School staff were able to quickly move over 1,900 individuals into a secure environment.   Bus routes were diverted from the area and emergency protocols were activated. 

The following message was distributed by Brandon Police Service with regards to the situation:

At approx. 10 AM today Police responded to a call of a disturbance on Cornwallis Cres.  Upon arrival they were advised that several people had left the residence and may be armed with firearms.  Police advised Crocus Plains School and Maryland School staff to lock and hold for safety reasons.  Police had no information that the subjects were in the schools or heading in that direction. Shortly thereafter there was a second call that a subject may be in Crocus Plains.  Officers are conducting thorough search of Crocus Plains for safety reasons.  It appears now that the information indicating someone may be in the school was not accurate.

City of Brandon - 01 Nov 2022 Special

At 11:35 am Brandon Police Service advised staff at Maryland Park School and Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School that they could move out of Lockdown Status as Brandon Police Service had resolved the matter in the immediate area.  

Staff continued to monitor all entry/exit points, and students were permitted to leave the school. 

I truly appreciate the efforts taken by our schools and Brandon Police Service.  I also want to acknowledge the staff in the Division Office, the Communications Office, and the Facilities and Transportation Departments who supported the schools.  

It is my hope that parents, guardians, students and staff understand and have confidence in the continued focus on safety, the close communication between police and schools, the timely response, and the communication demonstrated in this incident.  

I understand that it can be difficult for students and staff to move into a lockdown. However, we always take these incidents very seriously and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff.  

Should you have any questions or have any additional concerns, please reach out to your child’s school directly.  

Take care, 

Mathew Gustafson
Superintendent / Chief Executive Officer