Polk County Deputies Teaching Women How to Stay Safe

Polk County Deputies Teaching Women How to Stay Safe — For Free

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published March 23, 2026

Free Women’s Self-Defense Class Offered by Polk County Sheriff’s Office

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is inviting women across the community to take part in an upcoming free self-defense and personal safety class aimed at empowering participants with real-world skills to stay safe.

The next Women’s Basic Self Defense and Personal Safety class is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven.

Hosted by the agency’s Crime Prevention Unit, the class is designed to give attendees practical tools they can use in dangerous situations. Participants will learn both situational awareness techniques and hands-on defensive moves that could make a critical difference.

🥊 What to Expect

The class combines a short educational session with physical training, including:

Approximately 15 minutes of lecture focused on personal safety and awareness
Around 45 minutes of hands-on training, where participants will practice techniques
Use of a Body Opponent Bag (B.O.B.) to simulate real-life defense scenarios

Officials say the class typically runs about an hour, but may extend depending on attendance. For every additional 10 to 15 participants beyond 30, about 15 minutes may be added to ensure everyone gets proper instruction.

👩 Who Can Attend

The class is open to women ages 13 and older.

Participants under 18 must have a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of the class
No prior experience is required

📍 Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL
Cost: FREE

📩 How to Sign Up

Those interested in attending must RSVP in advance by emailing:

📧 crimeprevention@polksheriff.org

Be sure to include your name and phone number in the email.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the goal of the class is simple — help women feel more confident, aware, and prepared if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.

👉 Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com for more community updates and public safety events.