Seniors' safety is focus of MPD's new program

By: Melinda Skutnick | Mooresville Tribune
Published: January 27, 2010

Keeping senior citizens safe is the focus of an upcoming self-defense program hosted by the Mooresville Police Department.

Starting March 1, the MPD will offer a free "RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) for Seniors" program at the Charles Mack Citizen Center. The month-long class – sessions are approximately two hours and held twice each week, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. – are designed to teach physical and other defense techniques to men and women over the age of 65. The program will run through March 24.

"One of the things with us and our strategic plan is to get out more crime prevention information and work with our seniors more than we have in the past," said MPD Chief Carl Robbins.

Noting that the senior population is growing and remaining active in the community, Robbins said it's vital to help prepare those individuals for situations that may arise.

Although he said violent crimes are low in Mooresville, the Chief mentioned that other crimes such as purse-snatchings or fraud do occur and this particular class will help seniors learn prevention and defensive measures against such incidents.

"We don't have those types of (violent) crimes, but we don't want to wait for that kind of thing to happen and then do something," he added.

Currently, there is only this one RAD-Senior class scheduled for 2010. Robbins said other RAD programs, geared toward women or children, are possible later this year.

This class will be taught by two certified RAD-Senior and RAD-Basic instructors from the police department. They'll also teach the physical defense part of the course with many senior limitations in mind, focusing on crimes specific to the senior citizen population.

Robbins said both classroom work and physical defense education will help keep local seniors safer throughout town and wherever they might travel.

"In our vision, the police department is supposed to contribute to the economic well-being of the town. There's so many women and older adults that contribute by working and shopping here. It's just important to make them feel confident and comfortable going out."

Individuals under 65 years old can attend the program if they wish to go with a parent, family member or just for themselves. Registration prior to March 1 is suggested as well as attending the entire month of classes. However, Robbins noted that the MPD will not turn away people who can only attend a few of the eight sessions.

"I think it's a really good program and I think it's well worthwhile," he said.

For more information or to register, contact Officer Georgia Kennedy at 704-664-3311.