From what I know of the greater Janesville area, I think that the Tavern Defense class is probably the #1 priority, especially as we head into the winter season.

Street Cop Spanish also seems well thought out. What if a policeman was in the process of arresting some spanish dude and the guy said:

"oficial soy inocente" .. what does he do then?

Keep it up Gazette! good stuff.

What the police have to do is get a handle on the rash of burgluries in this town!! ASAP!! This is getting rediculous- every day there is at least one burglury in the reported column but there are usually about three a day. I know of at least three large burgleries that never even made the paper. I am really wondering if some police could be involved??

Several years ago, there was a workshop offered (though I don't think it was through the police department) that talked about "Beyond Stranger Danger". The program went into HOW to talk to your children about abduction, what things they can do if they are approached, and, for everyone what to do if you ARE abducted. For example, it talked about where to find the wires for the tail lights if you are in the trunk (disconnecting them could lead to a traffic stop), what to do if someone manages to get into your car and you are being held at gunpoint and driving, etc. It was a great course, and, now as a mother of an 11 year old daughter, we have discussed that for NOTHING she goes with an attacker. She is much safer to run from a gun pointed at her (because this person wants her to get into a car with him, not shoot her in public) than to do as he says. Also, if she were shot in public, she would have immediate medical care and if he is willing to shoot you in public he will DEFINITELY shoot you in private. Some extreme examples, perhaps, but, still a great course and a great lesson. I feel much safer for knowing these things. Could we have one of these classes, please?

The SAFE self defense class is very useful. I also remember Sgt. Donohoue saying something like, "This is the only time you'll be able to hit an officer and walk away."

Why is it always a womens self defense class? I know a few guys who could benefit from a self defense class. Then again if there was one for guys im sure they would charge for it. complete discrimination. I smell a law suit just begging to be filed. JM2C

deweeze, I agree. It should be a requirement for ALL students to take self defense... separated by gender. There isn't anything wrong with learning self defense like the back of your hand!

A program about our minority neighbors might help defuse future clashes that would take up police time. The cops have to be sensitive to minorities, right? So I assume they'd be able to teach others that skin color don't mean a thing. Or rather, it shouldn't.

I think before any young lady graduates high school they need to attend the Women's Self Defense course. I have taken it twice and feel more self asured that I could handle something if it came up. More area departments should get on the band wagon and teach it also. Its an AWSOME program!!!!!