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

Joe Spear, founder of RAD Edmonton, is a constable with the Edmonton Police Service and has been a certified R.A.D. instructor since February of 1998.

Jessica Wrightson works at the Vernon School District 22, has been a certified R.A.D. instructor since April of 1997, and is a founding member of RAD Edmonton.

Neil Lettis has worked for the Provincial government in law enforcement for the past 9 years. He joined the RAD Edmonton team as an instructor in 2007.

Laurie Hackett is a former RAD Edmonton student who, after returning and practicing a number of times, decided to take the next step and become an instructor. She completed her training and joined the RAD Edmonton team in 2007.