Police, sheriff offer rape defense course

As part of a joint training effort by the Jefferson City Police Department and Cole County Sheriff's Department, a no-cost Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course is being offered to the public.

This three-day, 12-hour self defense class for women 18 and older will be held at the police department classroom, 401 Monroe St.

The classes will be held June 11, 13 and 18 from 6-10 p.m. each night.

Those who sign up must attend all three days of the class.

"We are taking 24 students and we're already getting slots filled, so if women want to get in on this, I'd say they should go ahead and call us," said police training officer Kevin Kempker. "We did a pilot class with city employees and officers and deputies' wives and it was well received."

The RAD System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques.

The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training.

RAD is not a martial arts program.

A workbook/reference manual outlines the entire program for reference and continuous personal growth.

This program is being taught at many colleges and universities.

"We're not offering this because we're seeing any trends of more crimes like this in our area, but it is one of most requested classes to be given that we receive," Kempker said. "It's hard to catch up if you miss a night, so it is imperative to be there all three nights."

For more information about the class call 573-634-6398.