An unannounced training exercise conducted by the Southwest Washington Hostage Negotiation Team at the city of Battle Ground’s Public Works Operations Center, 1308 SE Grace Ave., Wednesday, March 27, sparked calls and comments from residents concerned about the proceedings.
Residents worried about their children’s safety while walking home from school flocked to Facebook searching for further information and posting videos as officers gave real-life commands over a loudspeaker during their training.
Officers with the Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office appeared to be practicing commands aimed at a silver sedan parked in the field, sparking fears of a standoff happening in the city.
A few residents called the non-emergency 311 number to determine if the law enforcement activity was due to danger in the area. Alisha Smith, communications manager for the City of Battle Ground, confirmed to The Reflector the proceedings were just a training exercise, which lasted a few hours in the afternoon.
