Published in the January 20, 2017 edition
MELROSE— Police Chief Michael L. Lyle announces that the Melrose Police Department will host Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) courses for women this winter and spring.
The program is designed to teach personal safety skills. It begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and progresses to hands-on physical defense techniques.
“This course is invaluable for women, as it gives them the resources to utilize self-defense techniques in emergency situations,” Chief Lyle said. “We encourage any female resident to sign up who hasn’t already completed the class.”
The upcoming classes consist of three sessions, each of which are six hours long, and will begin in February and continue through March.
The R.A.D. Keychain Defense class will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The R.A.D. Keychain defense uses realistic employment, combat effectiveness, light impact, fluid transitions and simulation training exercises to educate women. The program revolves around use of the Kubaton, a self defense device, in conjunction with physical skills.
Keychain defense classes are one day only.
The general R.A.D. class will take place on Sunday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a general class, which is a two-part session. Participants must commit to both days.
Participants in the general R.A.D. program will learn a wide range of tactics, including verbal techniques, ground defense options, escaping from bear hugs and chokehold and much more. The practical techniques are designed to maximize the strengths of a woman’s body and build upon existing instinctive responses to provide women with effective self-defense options.
At the end of both courses, women will have the opportunity to practice their skills in realistic simulation exercises.
Classes are limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, and Melrose residents have priority when classes are filled. Sessions are secured with a $25 check made out to the Melrose Police Department.
The classes will take place at the Mount Hood Clubhouse, 100 Slayton Rd., Melrose.
For more information or to sign up, contact Detective Dan Ehlers at 781-979-4432 or dehlers@cityofmelrose.org.
