By KELLY SMITH
Nine Warwick police officers and three Explorer Post cadets will undergo three days of training beginning tomorrow in order to become certified instructors of r.a.d.KIDS, a nationally-acclaimed safety educational curriculum.
Designed in 1998 for the purposes of teaching children between the ages 5 to 11 how to avoid the realities of bullying, manipulation, abduction, child abuse and sexual assault, the program will be led by Steve Daley, executive director of r.a.d.KIDS. r.a.d.KIDS, Inc. is dedicated to providing children with proven and effective life saving skills by teaching them how to (r) resist (a) aggression (d) defensively. The curriculum is based on acceleration learning theory and realistic physical resistance options to escape violence. Topics range from home and school safety, acceptable behavior when out and about, realistic defense against abduction and the ability to differentiate between good and bad or uncomfortable touch. Children learn to replace fear, confusion and panic with skills in confidence and self-esteem.
According to Captain Linda Eastman, head of the Community Services Division of the WPD, the Explorer’s board thought the training would be a great way to serve the children of Warwick in the 5-11 age group as well as the adult cadets (age 18). There will also be officers from neighboring police departments taking part in the training.
“We thought it would be a good opportunity to serve the kids in r.a.d.KIDS and help them recognize and know how to deal with tough situations, but also the Explorers because they’re getting a supervisory role in this,” said Eastman. “It’s a real partnership between the Explorers and the cops, and it benefits a group of younger kids at the same time.”
Eastman said aside from the three adult Explorers given the r.a.d.KIDS training, some of the younger Explorers will be involved also as they help with the logistics such as registration and scheduling.
Parents can sign up their children for the classes on Sept. 24 at Warwick Mall when an all day r.a.d.KIDS Safety Day will take place. Eastman said the schedule of classes has not been determined, but regardless, the program is free. While many cities throughout the nation have successfully undergone r.a.d.KIDS training, Warwick is the first to train police officers and cadets (18 years old) together. Though she said she’s not sure the cost of having Daley come to Warwick for the training, Eastman said spring fundraising conducted by the Explorer’s Post paid for the expense.
