The Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) are proud to recognize a successful partnership that will strengthen emergency preparedness and enhance public safety across the region.
Through this collaboration, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board has provided access to local school facilities, enabling the Chatham-Kent Police Service to deliver Immediate Rapid Deployment (IRD) training to all frontline officers while also supporting training for officers from several neighbouring police services.
Immediate Rapid Deployment (IRD) training prepares officers to respond effectively to critical incidents in schools and the community. To meet provincial policing standards, officers must train in environments that closely replicate real-world settings. The use of school facilities has allowed the Chatham-Kent Police Service to provide realistic, high-quality training while maintaining compliance with current provincial training requirements.
Training will take place throughout the week of July 27 to July 31, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., at George P. Vanier Catholic School in Chatham. Members of the public may notice an increased police presence in the area during these times. The training will occur only while the school is unoccupied and there is no risk to the public. This training is part of routinely scheduled, provincially mandated police training and is not in response to any specific threat or incident.
“This continued and valuable partnership between St. Clair Catholic and Chatham-Kent Police is important because it helps ensure the safety and well-being of both our schools and community. We are happy to assist our local law enforcement in any way possible because when we work together, everyone benefits,” said Lisa Demers, CEO and CEdO of St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for its ongoing support and commitment to community safety. By working together, both organizations continue to demonstrate the value of strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to creating safer schools and stronger communities.
Media Contacts:
Shelomi Legall
Corporate Communications
Chatham-Kent Police Service
519-436-6600 ext. 80648
Katrina Squazzin
Communications and Community Relations Coordinator
St. Clair Catholic District School Board
519-627-6762 ext. 10243