Jackson Police and Recreation and Parks Department join forces to offer free self-defense classes

JACKSON, TENN (WNBJ)-

Last month the news of Eliza Fletcher's kidnapping and murder while running in Memphis shocked the nation- and caused many cities to look into making their parks safer.

“It's very, very important that the departments within the city work together to ensure that our cities are safe and that a wholesome that our citizens can feel very, very protected and that they can enjoy the amenities that we have in this city," said Jackson Recreation and Parks Director Tony Black.

Jackson Mayor Scott Conger said, “As someone who has never had to worry about running alone early in the morning or late at night, that tragedy was really a wakeup call. Women deserve to feel safe."

And Mayor Conger says the city has a plan to accomplish that;“So we're in the process of making investments into our parks to increase lighting and to install blue light emergency boxes on those walking trails. But that's not enough. The city of Jackson wants to help you feel prepared.”

The way that the city of Jackson plans to “prepare” its citizens is by providing free self-defense classes for women.

“Self-defense and safety is paramount. In this day and age. And just taking those steps to reduce the chances of being a victim is what this is about for the police department," Jackson Police Chief Tom Corley said.

The collaboration between the Police Department and the Recreation and Parks Department will begin with two self-defense trainings for women above 18, or teenage girls who attend with their legal guardian.

“First we start off into the mindset and everything situation, situational awareness…and then they will go into somewhat physical," said Chase Morgan the Jackson Police Departments Defensive Tactics Lead.

The first class will be Saturday, November 19th at 10 a.m at Westwood Recreation Center.

And the second one will be held on Saturday December 9th at 10 a.m. at the T.R White Sportsplex.

The city of Jackson is planning to offer more free classes in the future..