The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has scheduled its next round of Rape Aggression Defense classes, offered for free to women around the county.
Department crime prevention coordinator Kelly Laech tells us she’s been working with the RAD program for about 20 years now, teaching basic self-defense skills to women of all ages. There will be three classes this spring.
“It goes from basic knowledge, so for personal safety, traveling safety, work safety, dating safety, relationship safety,” Laech said. “So we kind of talk about a little bit of everything.”
Laesch says the techniques the class covers don’t require any special skill. The RAD program teaches women to use things they already have to defend themselves.
RAD classes are open to women starting at age 16.
“That is a pretty good age to start getting and thinking of that stuff, but a lot of colleges, this program, the RAD Systems program, there’s a lot of instructors throughout the nation, basically. It’s an international program, but a lot of colleges offer those classes.”
Laesch says the first class is book work, the second night involves learning the moves, and then the third night features scenario-based training with a deputy in a padded suit. She says that’s less common with RAD classes, but fortunately, Sheriff Chuck Heit believes that part of the program is important and allows it to be offered.
Laesch invites women to sign up so they can begin their self-defense journey. More information is below:
SPRING 2025 RAD CLASS SCHEDULE
Baroda-Lake Township Police Department
March 24, 25, 27 – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
3169 W Shawnee Rd, Bridgman, MI 49106
Berrien County Conference Center (Berrien County Health Dept.)
April 21, 22, 24 – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
2149 E. Napier, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Berrien County Conference Center (Berrien County Health Dept.)
May 19, 20, 22 – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
2149 E. Napier, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, and participants must attend all three sessions.
To register or for more information, contact Deputy Kelly Laesch at 269-983-7111, Ext. 7715 or email RAD@berriencounty.org
