R.A.D. Edmonton is a non-profit organization that was established in 2005. Founder Constable Joe Spear, an officer with the Edmonton Police Service, has been a certified R.A.D. instructor since 1998 where he instructed classes predominantly at the University of Alberta. Those classes, however, were held primarily for University Students and Staff. RAD Edmonton was created so we could offer the option of RAD self-defense education to every woman in Edmonton and its' surrounding communities.
As with all RAD programs, graduates of RAD Edmonton classes can utilize the free return and practice policy to attend any public classes hosted by RAD Systems throughout North America. "We encourage all students to return and practice skills learned in our Basic classes", states Spear.
All members of RAD Edmonton, both instructors and administrative staff, volunteer their hours to the organization. In addition to the classes they teach, instructors are required to maintain their certification with RAD Canada (nationally), and RAD Systems (internationally) each year.
Permanent Instructors
Philippe Aubé is a constable with the Edmonton Police Service currently working in the Patrol Services Bureau. He became a certified R.A.D. Instructor and joined the RAD Edmonton team in May 2009.
Lisa Riou is a constable with the Edmonton Police Service and completed her RAD Instructor Training in 2009. She is very committed to community policing and feels as though RAD is a great program to share with all women.
Anne Spear joined the RAD Edmonton Team in 2009. She is a former student who, after returning and practicing several times, decided that she wanted to get involved in the teaching aspect of this great program.
Travis Peever has been a constable with the Edmonton Police Service since 2006 and is currently working in the Patrol Services Bureau. Travis joined the RAD Edmonton team in 2010.
Michelle Caughell is a constable with the Edmonton Police Service and became a certified RAD instructor in April of 2010.
Colin Holben is the Youth Coordinator with the Edmonton Police Service and completed his RAD Instructor Training in 2010. Colin is excited to teach this great program to as many people as he can!
Patrick Hannas is a Constable with the Edmonton Police Service, and completed his RAD instructor certification in 2010. Patrick is a former teacher with the Edmonton Public School Board and is currently assigned to the School Resource Officer Unit. Patrick is dedicated to the needs of his community, and believes that the RAD course is a positive proactive step in continuing that goal.
Greg Schlender is a constable with the Edmonton Police Service and currently working as a School Resource Officer. Greg completed his RAD instructor training in the Spring of 2010 and strongly believes in the program.
Carrie Ellinger is a Community Capacity Builder with the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team working out of South Division, focusing on crime prevention and community development. She joined the RAD Edmonton team in April 2010 and thinks it is a great program to help women take steps to protect and empower themselves.
Jenn Dermott is a program coordinator with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton. She joined the RAD Edmonton instructor team in April of 2010.