MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Sgt. Jason Hurley is one of two campus officers certified to instruct next month’s Rape Aggression Defense Systems, or RAD, course. 

A Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 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.”  

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 latest course consists of twice weekly training sessions over a three-week period. It starts July 5 and ends July 21, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during that period. Participants are asked to commit to all of the sessions to receive proper training. 

The course is 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 https://www.mtsu.edu/police/RAD.php. 

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 the 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.  

Master Patrol Officer Katelynn Erskine 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.  

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 an 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.” 

Improve your safety now 

For those unable to attend, 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.” 

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