By Elaine Bonilla/se news editor
Protecting oneself from unexpected danger is something people often don’t think about unless the need arises.
TCC police training coordinator Dwane Kelley teaches a Personal Safety and Self-Defense course on various TCC campuses.
Those who sign up for the course learn defensive tactics like escapes from grabs and holds, clues to recognize dangerous situations when walking or driving in a vehicle, tips when shopping or at an ATM and advice on what to do when an active shooter is in the area.
Kelley said he first presented a training course for TCC during a breakout session at the Chancellor’s Breakfast in 2011 where participants learned awareness of environment, safety practices and attack survival strategies.
Grants and resource specialist Robin Donovan participated in one of the classes along with co-workers.
“The HR department advertised it, and it seemed like it was a great idea. It seemed like our whole office went,” Donovan said. “It’s simple and easy to remember if you ever need to without knowing a lot of training.”
Kelley, a retired Arlington police officer, was selected as lead defensive tactics instructor and looked into training for civilian personnel within the department who did not carry weapons or devices to defend themselves from violence.
The training is provided to allow easy-to-learn techniques for personal safety.
“It’s geared toward all participants regardless of fitness level, age or gender,” assistant police chief Chanissa Dietrich said. “The best thing is it’s open to students, faculty and staff.”
Among other classes provided is Workplace Violence, which addresses and focuses on various techniques, verbal skills and other aspects to recognize potential volatile situations.
The 90-minute self-defense course is created once a minimum of six people show interest. Times and locations vary based on the participants.
Once the class is created, attendees can sign up through the TCC Institute LearnCenter. Those who complete the training receive professional development credit.
