Sergeant Anderson with the campus police held a self defense talk on Thursday. Robynn Hopkins, a 38-year-old Human Resources staff member was able to test her self defense skills.
A row of women in sweaters and suits sat attentive to campus police Sgt. Marco Anderson in the University Center Ballroom.
Anderson talked about defense tactics against potential attackers and provided demonstration through audience participation.
Robynn Hopkins, 38, an HR staff member of the University of Memphis was among those asked to stand and throw a punch.
“Awareness is key in any situation you are in,†Hopkins said.
Whitney Williams, 38, a temporary worker for the Office of Institutional Equity said they are responsible for hosting this event.
“We’ve been doing stuff for sexual assault awareness month,†Williams said. “We hope to get more people to come to the next seminar.â€
On April 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the University Center River Room 300, there will be a repeat of this self-defense seminar.
“When I was a student here, the Tiger Escorts had just started and it was so great to know the university had that available to students,†Hopkins said.
Tiger Escort is a free service from dusk to dawn daily on the main campus where a patrol officer will pick up a student, staff or faculty member in a golf cart to escort them to class, their vehicle, office or dormitory.
The escort phone number is 901-678-4663 (HOME).
“We’re trying to get a selfdefense class off the ground for students, faculty and staff,†Anderson said. “Rape Aggression Defense system, RAD, would be taught.â€
Anderson has been with the University of Memphis police services for 13 years.
“We’re trying to see all who is interested and they should be putting something out campus wide about it,†Anderson said. “It’s starting to catch a little bit.â€
Rape Aggression Defense system is an international organization on self-defense education for women that began in 1989 and has since expanded to seniors, children and men.
“You have to be certified for this defense class,†Anderson said. “I went through intense training for this.â€
The Office of Institutional Equity is also hosting a Sexual Assault Resource Fair on Thursday, April 21 from noon to 4 p.m. in the University Center Atrium.
Professors Tammy J. Allen and Linda G. Lengfellner at the University of Central Missouri published a safety research review in Feb. where they said awareness is key to improving campus safety.
“This was very informative. It’s always good to have those kinds of refreshers of things to be on the look-out for,†Hopkins said. “Don’t be distracted by the cell phone.â€
The University of Memphis Police Services is composed of state-certified police officers with enforcement power anywhere in Memphis to address campus issues.
These officers also have advanced training in several areas along with a team of detectives that operate closely with the Memphis Police Department and Attorney General’s Office in certain cases.
“We are trying to get the word out and safety out,†Anderson said. “We are here for you.â€
