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An
interview was conducted with Deputy Chief David Currey to discuss the
Vero Beach Police Department's exemplary projects. Deputy Chief Currey
stated that he is very proud of the department's radKIDS (Resist
Aggression Defensively) Personal Empowerment Safety Education program.
The free program is brought to children and parents by nationally
certified members of the department. The program educates children on
defensive and escape tactics that may be needed to avoid child abduction
or violent confrontations. Deputy Chief Currey explained that the
radKIDS program is not just another program, but a true gift that
empowers the community's children. The curriculum includes: home, school
and vehicle safety; out and about safety; realistic defense against
abduction; good-bad-uncomfortable touching; stranger tricks; and
self-realization of personal power. The department offers the program on
a quarterly basis and more often when possible. Deputy Chief Currey
also identified the department’s Rape Aggression Defense Systems
program, also known as R.A.D. Systems, as an exemplary program. The
R.A.D. System is provided free of charge and is a comprehensive,
women-only, course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk
reduction and risk avoidance training. It progresses to the basics of
hands-on defense training. The system is taught by nationally certified
department instructors. They provide each student with a
workbook/reference manual. The manual outlines the entire physical
defense program for reference and continuous personal growth. The
department allows R.A.D. Systems' graduates to return and retake or
practice the techniques for life, free of charge. The classes are
generally offered semi-annually, and are open to women age 14 and older.
For more information please contact Lt. Jerry Karchefski
at jkarchefski@vbpd.org
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