Jason Hurley, MTSU police training sergeant, is one of three campus officers and one campus dispatcher certified to instruct this month’s Rape Aggression Defense Systems, or RAD, course.

A Murfreesboro native, Hurley chose to become a certified RAD instructor after serving those who have been victims of sexual assault and abuse during his almost decade-long tenure on the campus police force.

“I feel a personal responsibility to provide the knowledge and experience that I have to help survivors overcome their fear, depression and anxiety,” Hurley said. “When I see those faces turn to happiness, joy, confidence and empowerment and see their self-respect regained, nothing is more rewarding to me.”

Middle Tennessee State University Training Sgt. Jason Hurley explains how to defend against a choke hold with MTSU Police Officer Katelynn Erskine during the first night of the free self-defense course Rape Aggression Defense Systems, or RAD, on Sept. 7, 2021. (MTSU photo by Stephanie Barrette)

The RAD course teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques to women, providing both risk awareness, reduction, recognition and avoidance education along with hands-on, physical defense instruction and practice.

The four-week course, which starts Sept. 7 and ends Sept. 30, is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Free and available to female MTSU students, faculty, staff and community members age 13 and older, those interested can register via email at rad@mtsu.edu or through the MTSU Police RAD website.

The university began offering the RAD course to the campus and surrounding community in 2003 and has trained hundreds of women with its practical safety techniques. No previous background or experience in physical training is required to attend.

Hurley explained that campus continues to provide the course without cost to further the police department’s priority of keeping the community safe.

“(It) provides our community with the tools and knowledge that will help them create a safer future for themselves,” he said.

Katelynn Erskine, MTSU officer and certified RAD instructor, was inspired to become RAD-certified after completing the course herself when she first joined the force in 2018.

“I saw how much the women in the class grew in both skill and confidence, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Erskine said.

RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) self-defense course graphic depicting silhouetted female using self-defense against silhouetted male with MTSU Police Department and RAD logos

Erskine is also a survivor of sexual assault.

“Our campus community is filled with young women getting out into the world by themselves for the first time…. It is a great chance for them to branch out and explore, but, unfortunately, a college campus can also provide a great opportunity for crime,” she said.

“If something we teach these women can help prevent that for them in the future or helps them heal from a previous situation, that means everything to me.”

MTSU Police hope to host more classes soon, Hurley said.

Middle Tennessee State University students Gaby Jaimes, left, and Savannah Winegar train blocking a choke during the free self-defense course Rape Aggression Defense Systems, or RAD, on Sept. 7, 2021. (MTSU photo by Stephanie Barrette)

Improve your safety now

For those unable to attend this fall’s RAD course, Hurley and Erskine offered advice for improving personal safety right now. Both encouraged everyone to be aware of their surroundings.

“If something doesn’t look or feel right, avoid the situation and call someone for help,” Hurley said. “Never leave a drink unattended or accept a free drink from a stranger. Always order your own drink and take it with you. Never be afraid to call the police if you need help. … Our priority is to serve the community, and we are here to help.”

“Park in well-lit areas,” Erskine added. “Avoid distractions while out walking, like looking at your phone. I also want to encourage students who observe suspicious activity, notice streetlights out or any other safety hazard to call 911 or the police non-emergency number — 615-898-2424 — and report it.”

Gaby Jaimes, Middle Tennessee State University student, left, practices defending against an attack from her partner Savannah Winegar, another MTSU student, as part of the free self-defense course Rape Aggression Defense Systems, or RAD, that began on Sept. 7, 2021 (MTSU photo by Stephanie Barrette)

Stay updated on all campus safety and law enforcement information by following MTSU Police on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

— Stephanie Barrette (Stephanie.Barrette@mtsu.edu)

Jason Hurley, Middle Tennessee State University training sergeant, models deflecting an attack with Katelynn Erskine, MTSU police officer, as part of the self-defense course Rape Aggression Defense Systems, or RAD, offered free of charge on Sept. 7, 2021. (MTSU photo by Stephanie Barrette)