The Illinois State University Police Department is introducing a new educational program during the spring semester.
The two-hour course, called Redbird AWARE, teaches prevention techniques to people of all genders, with a goal of reducing their exposure to violent situations. It also introduces participants to basic self-defense options that could help them avoid, escape, and survive attacks.
The Community Engagement Unit will hold a session on March 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Escalante Conference Room at Hewett-Manchester. Anyone interested in attending the event can register through Redbird Life. Redbird AWARE is free and open to the public.
Police Chief Aaron Woodruff believes the new Redbird AWARE program is a critical resource to have, especially for college students.
“Our previously licensed program wasn’t meeting the needs of our campus community,” Woodruff said. “When we couldn’t find anything else out there, we created our own more inclusive curriculum. Personal safety is a topic we should be embracing as a community, regardless of gender identity.”
All other groups wanting to schedule on a different date can contact the Community Engagement Unit by email at ISUPolice@IllinoisState.edu, fill out a web request form at Police.IllinoisState.edu, or register in the Safe Redbirds App.
