Shelby Township police to host another self-defense class for women

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Police Department will be hosting another self-defense class for female residents, coming up in November.

Sgt. Mark Benedettini, of the Shelby Township Police Department, said the class is four sessions long. It will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13. The dates comprise two consecutive weekends.

“This is a self-defense class for women, which is taught by police officers from the Shelby Township Police Department. The classes are held at the Shelby Township Senior Activities Center,” said Benedettini.

Benedettini said the classes, known as R.A.D., have been popular since the department started the program.

“These R.A.D. (Rape, Aggression, Defense) women’s self-defense classes are extremely popular since we started offering the classes two years ago. They typically fill up very quickly, and the feedback we have received from people who have taken previous classes has all been excellent,” said Benedettini.

The 12-hour course consists of classroom lectures, physical demonstrations and repetitive practice. Attendance is required every day to earn a certificate. The Shelby Township Activities Center is located at 14975 21 Mile Road.

“This class helps give women the confidence and basic defensive techniques to use, should they encounter an attacker. This is a very valuable class for women of all ages,” police officer Carrie Bennett, one of the lead R.A.D. instructors, said via email.

Those interested can contact Benedettini at (586) 731-2121, ext. 358, or email mbenedettini@shelbytwp.org. The course requires preregistration in order to attend, and space is limited. Participants must be 12 years old or older, and young people must be accompanied by an adult.