Rape Aggression Defense Systems is a program of realistic, self defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defensive training. RAD is NOT a martial arts program. The RAD course is taught by certified RAD Instructors and provides you with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous growth. The RAD System of physical defense is currently taught at more than 250 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and is the largest women's physical defense program of its kind in the country. The growing, widespread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of our tactics, our solid research and unique teaching methodology. The Rape Aggression Defense System is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial arts tactics. Our system of realistic defense will provide women with knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance. We operate on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist on the part of the victim, (a premise supported by research). We educate women about "The Fight or Flight Syndrome," while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but necessary if natural resistance is effective.

Reasons Why You Should Take the R.A.D. Course

1. According to the American Medical Association, 1 out of every 4 college-age women is a victim of rape (Oct. 2000).
2. According to the Dept. of Justice, 1.7% of U.S. college women were raped during the 1996-97 school year, and another 1.1% were victims of attempted rape (Dec. 2000).
3. Of the over 2.3 million women who reported sexual assaults in the United States from 1973-1987, 71% of the victims avoided being raped by taking self-protective measures.

Typical Questions asked about the R.A.D. Class

How long is the R.A.D. class?
The typical RAD class is 12 hours long. This is broken up into one four-hour and one eight-hour segment run on Wednesday evening and on Saturday.

How many people are in each class?
While there is no set amount of students for each class, we do limit class size to ensure that each participant feels comfortable and is able to receive proper instruction.

What time is the class?
Class times will be varied due to demand and actual participation. An example of the offered class times might be 6-10 p.m. and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Do I have to go to both classes?
Participation in both class segments is necessary to "complete" the class and receive your pass to any future R.A.D. classes held throughout the United States, free of charge.

Do I really get to hit someone in a suit?
Yes. You will get the chance to practice what is taught to you in previous classes, on one of the instructors who will be dressed up in a well padded protective suit. This is called simulation training and is a valuable part of the class as it gives the student a chance to see how their newly learned skills work in real life situations. This part of the class is optional, but is encouraged.

Do I need to be an athlete to participate?
Not at all. The class is designed so that the average person can take it. We instruct people to go at their own pace and we never ask you to do something you can't do, or do not want to do.

When can I sign up for this class?
Watch for information about class offerings posted on bulletin boards located throughout the campus.

Your R.A.D. Instructors

Officer Joseph Bernarding joined the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department in 1994 as a security guard and was promoted to police officer in 1997. He has been a RAD instructor since 1999, when he teamed up with Officer Mickens. Assigned to the department's midnight patrol shift, Joe is a PA-state-certified crime prevention practitioner, a municipal police instructor, and a member of the department's Crime Prevention and Bicycle Patrol units. He received his B.A. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1986. He enjoys working closely with the university community through the various crime prevention and safety programs the department offers.Officer Leon D. Mickens III, joined the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department in 1993 as a security guard, and was promoted to police officer in 1997. He has been a RAD instructor since 1998, is a PA-state-certified crime prevention practitioner, field training officer, and member of the department's Crime Prevention and Bicycle Patrol units. Prior to coming to the university, Leon served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including deployment during the Persian Gulf War. Officer Mickens has attended the Community College of Allegheny County and is working toward an associate's degree in the administration of justice. He enjoys being actively involved in the safety and well being of our campus community and is a regular presenter at safety programs during freshman orientation. Officer Chad Brogley joined the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department in 2002 after earning his B.A. in Administration of Justice from the University of Pittsburgh. He received Act 120 police academy training in 2003 and became a RAD instructor in 2004. Chad is also a PA State-certified crime prevention practitioner, a member of the departmentÌs Crime Prevention Unit, and a certified Terrorism Awareness instructor. He is a member of the Crime Prevention Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Campus Crime Prevention Practitioners. Chad enjoys taking a proactive stance on campus to prevent crime and enjoys working closely with the campus community.

Communications Officer Mindy Thompson joined the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department in 2003. Mindy is also a PA State-certified crime prevention practitioner, a member of the department's Crime Prevention Unit, an Emergency Medical Technician, and a certified Terrorism Awareness instructor. She has been a RAD instructor since receiving her certification in May of 2004. She enjoys taking a proactive stance in the protection of women here on campus.