Emergency alert on April 24 had ‘unintended consequences’ : RCMP

Discussions need to continue on all levels around the use of Nova Scotia's emergency alert system.

That's according to RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather, who made the remarks at a news conference Thursday updating the police investigation into the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 22 victims.

Leather said the system was used the first time in our province shortly before the shooting to urge Nova Scotians to stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“To the best of our knowledge, the alert ready has never been used for an active shooter situation by police in Canada,” he stated.

Officials have faced criticism for not issuing an emergency alert while RCMP were looking for the gunman. Some, including family members of victims, have suggested its use could have potentially saved lives on Sunday, April 19.

That morning, RCMP used Twitter to communicate information about the developing situation.

In a previous news conference, Leather said officials were in the process of preparing an alert when they found out the gunman had been shot dead by police at the Enfield Big Stop.

On April 24 — the Friday following the shooting rampage — Leather said he authorized an emergency alert asking residents to shelter in place and refrain from travelling after getting “credible information” about shots fired in subdivisions of Hammonds Plains and Hubley.

After an extensive search of the neighbourhoods, the all-clear was given a couple of hours later.

Leather said that alert had “unintended consequences.”

“Following the alert, there were a large number of people who called 911 to ask non-emergency related questions, such as should I pick up my children, where should I hide, what do I do,” he explained.

That afternoon, Halifax Regional Police issued a statement on Twitter saying a report of shots fired on the peninsula near Connaught Avenue was a result of public confusion following the alert.

Because of the flood of incoming calls, Leather said people with real emergencies may have not been able to get through to 911 staff.

In addition, he said the alert went out to many people living nowhere near the affected area of HRM.

“When activated, it impacts all citizens and police services in Nova Scotia,” Leather said.

RCMP are currently working on a Canada-wide policy on emergency alerts.

“As well, we are working with our partners in the province to ensure that when used, the system effectively helps to protect public safety,” said Leather Thursday. “We commit to sharing those decisions publicly once finalized.”