Billy Davis

An emergency exercise was set to begin this morning at South Panola High School, where local authorities are expected to descend on the campus.

Officers will respond to a 911 call.

Authorities remain tight-lipped about the drill, which is expected to test the mettle of police officers, dispatchers and medical personnel.

With a little imagination, one can guess the cause of the emergency, given the location.

BPD officers are jokingly asking for hints of the coming drill, said Captain Jimmy McCloud, who has helped plan the scenario.

“I’m not saying a word,” said McCloud. “We want it to be realistic.”

Passers-by can expect to see road blocks along Tiger Drive and a presence of police cruisers, ambulances and a medical helicopter.

A Panolian reporter will be present inside the high school, during the drill, to record the unfolding events.

Other BPD officers will be on patrol during the exercise, said BPD Deputy Chief Don Province.