By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Police Department is gearing up to host women’s self-defense classes this summer for females 13 and older.

“The classes cover ways women can learn how to be aware of their surroundings,” said APD officer Jamison Lee. “We cover statistics released from the FBI, which include things such as 1 and 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Our goal is for those taking the class to learn tips that will help them if they ever find themselves in a situation where they would need to act quickly.”

The training sessions will be held at Thompson Sixth Grade Center, located at 10111 Highway 119 in Alabaster, and are taught by R.A.D. (rape, aggression, defense) qualified instructors.

Participants should park in the back parking lot, avoid wearing jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces for safety reasons, and athletic footwear (no sandals or open toe shoes) is required.

It is also recommended that class participants bring water to stay hydrated, as the course is an active training environment.

No firearms, knives, or pepper spray will be allowed in the training environment, and all non-essential items are not allowed in the class.

Lee said anyone under the age of 18 is required to have a parental consent form signed before the training sessions.

To complete each class, participants must put in 12 total hours of training with “Red Man” simulation.

The Red Man simulation allows participants to safely use force against simulated aggressors.

The classes are on a first sign-up basis, and class size is limited, according to Lee.

Classes are free of charge, but donations are accepted.

Classes will be offered on the following dates and times:

-June 20-21

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

-June 20-21

2 p.m.- 8 p.m.

-June 22-23

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

-June 22-23

2 p.m.- 8 p.m.

-June 24

9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

-June 26-27

8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

-June 26-27

2 p.m.-8 p.m.

-June 28-29

8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

-June 28-29

2 p.m.- 8 p.m.

For more information about the classes or to register visit Cityofalabaster.com under the police department heading or email jamison.lee@acsboe.org.