By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Police Department is holding several basic physical defense class sessions this June, and currently is accepting online signups for the classes.

The classes are open to females 13 and older, although anyone under the age of 18 must have a parental consent form signed upon arrival at the class.

To complete each class, participants must take 12 hours of training and undergo the “red man” simulation, in which participants put their training to the test against an instructor wearing a protective suit.

All classes will be led by two R.A.D. (rape, aggression, defense) qualified instructors, and the cost of the class is $10 per person plus a $1 signup fee. No refunds will be issued for missed classes.

Each class will be held at the new Thompson High School building at 1921 Warrior Parkway, and signups are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For safety purposes, no jewelry will be allowed in the training area, non-open-toed athletic footwear must be worn and the APD encourages participants to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Firearms, knives and pepper spray are not allowed at the classes.

Classes will break for lunch each day, and no photos or videos are allowed during any part of the training.

To sign up for class sessions, visit Signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4ea5a62da7fb6-rad. Participants must fill out a parental consent form (for those under 18), a release form, a training safety form, a wellness information form and a liability waiver, all of which are available on the signup page.