Crime & Safety

Why Were Police Cars at Wilmington Schools on Friday?

Several readers were alarmed to hear about a heavy police presence, but it is just for a practice lockdown drill.

A few readers were concerned to hear about a large number of police cars at Wilmington Middle School and Wilmington High School on Friday morning. So what was going on?

There is no need to worry. This is just a test.

"Practice lock down drill at WHS right now," Wilmington High School principal Eric Tracy tweeted this morning. "All safe."

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One reader sent a message to the Wilmington Patch Facebook page concerned about the number of police cars on scene at Wilmington Middle School. A lockdown drill was going on there as well, and Tracy said the drills were done at the middle and high schools simultaneously.

According to one Wilmington Patch Facebook follower, parents received notice of the drill just before it began.

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"(Middle School Principal Christine) McMenimen at the Wilmington Middle School sent a Safety Message via email at 9:00 a.m. informing parents of the practice lockdown using K-9 resources," wrote Robin Arsenault Domek.

Later in the morning, Tracy took to Twitter again to alert his followers that things went just as planned, with an assist from the students.

"Great job this morning Wilmington High," he tweeted. "I'm proud of you for taking our drill seriously and for working with me to keep our building safe!"

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