Executive Summary
- Exeter High School’s ALICE alarm system was accidentally activated on Tuesday.
- Police received reports of a shooter but determined the alarm was false within four minutes.
- Officers conducted a full sweep of the building to ensure student safety.
- Law enforcement praised the calm response of students and staff during the incident.
An accidental activation of the emergency alarm system at Exeter High School in New Hampshire triggered a significant law enforcement response on Tuesday, according to the Exeter Police Department. Authorities confirmed that the incident was a false alarm and that no credible threat existed at the educational facility.
Police officials reported that the department mobilized rapidly after the school’s ALICE alarm system was engaged. Following the activation, the local communications center received multiple emergency calls and text messages to 911 reporting a potential active shooter, prompting an immediate deployment of officers to the campus to investigate the reports.
Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel initiated a systematic search of the facility. According to the police statement, officers determined within approximately four minutes that the alarm had been triggered accidentally. Despite the initial determination, officers continued to sweep the building to ensure the complete safety of all students and staff before declaring the site secure.
Emergency Response Assessment
This incident highlights the sensitivity and rapid mobilization capabilities of local law enforcement regarding school safety systems. While the activation was determined to be accidental, the event served as a live evaluation of the ALICE protocols in a high-stress scenario. Authorities noted that the strict adherence to safety procedures by students and staff would have been critical in mitigating harm during a genuine emergency, validating the effectiveness of current drill training and emergency communication lines between the school district and first responders.
