The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is offering a new program for area women called Rape Aggression Defense (RAD).
The program is geared towards high school juniors and seniors to prepare them for potential dangerous situations, but is being offered for all ages throughout the community.
“The program will better prepare young people for an assault situation,” said Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill.
The RAD program will be presented at the high school and can also be given to adult groups in the community upon request.
“RAD will give young ladies choices that empower them to make a split second decision if necessary,” Hill said.
The sheriff’s office currently has three deputies certified to teach RAD. Dep. Jesse Smith and Dep. Jesse Chavez were recently certified.
Anyone interested in implementing the RAD program for an organization or with any questions on the program, contact Sgt. BJ Bayne at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 828-894-3001.