What is SAFE?

SAFE (School Action for Emergencies) is an RCMP computer application. It contains site-specific information about schools across the country.

Through SAFE, front-line members have timely access to the information. Members then respond to critical incidents more effectively, often collaborating with emergency response partners.

SAFE contains data and photos related to:

• school contacts

• floor and site plans, maps and aerial views

• pertinent building features (alarms, hazards, etc.)

• points of interest to law enforcement and emergency response partners

• lockdown procedures

When can SAFE be used?

SAFE can be useful in any school event or situation that requires the deployment of police resources. This can include but is not limited to the following critical situations:

• active shooter

• bomb threats

• barricaded person(s) or hostage situations

Providing information for SAFE also helps schools prepare for critical situations and enhance the safety of students and staff.

Above courtesy of the RCMP

I was educated with an overview of the program by a staff sgt. who tasked me with determining if a junior high school was prepared to comply with the parimeters of the SAFE program.

They were not and the detachment modified their entry strategy for that school in the case of an active shooter incident.