Garner Police Dept. adding additional self-defense classes

The Garner Police Department held self defense classes for women and teens Saturday.

The classes covered elements of predatory behavior, having a survival mindset and self-defense law.

According to the Garner P.D., the demand was so high that additional dates will be offered to those who signed up and still need to take the class.

"We were overwhelmed," said Detective Brittany Nestor. "I think within the first 24-hours, we had 55 people sign up"

For students of the class, like Faith Gibbs, the information learned could make a difference when the threat is unexpected and very real.

"This information is so vital to survival," Gibbs said. "You have to take something like this to prepare yourself. [I] am always checking out my surroundings, but I don't think I am prepared enough to take action if I am in a sticky situation.

Gibbs wanted to take the class to be prepared for potentially dangerous situations.

Detective Nestor went through some of the techniques she would use if she were in a similar situation.

"If someone got on top of you, [I can teach you] how to get them off of you," Nestor said. "I am a smaller female and I still feel very confident and capable that I could get a larger person off of me."

Gibbs feels like she could be a target at any time, but with the classes she can handle herself if it comes to it.

"You are your own weapon," Gibbs said.