The need to defend one’s self is a right in this county, and now, the Andalusia Police Department is seeking to teach women to familiarize themselves with a handgun by hosting a one-day training course.

Lt. Paul Dean, course instructor, said the class is limited to 20 students, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“This is a basic handgun familiarization class, designed to teach women who have a weapon for personal protection,” Dean said. “We’re going to arm them with the knowledge of safety, handling and operation of a handgun.”

Dean said the class will be held on Sat., March 31, from 8 a.m. until noon at the APD training facility off Montezuma Academy. The course will consist of both classroom work and range instruction. Dean said the range portion of the course will be taught by four FBI-certified firearms instructors, including him.

“We decided to hold this class on a Saturday so that everyone who wanted to could attend,” he said. “We’re limited to 20 students because the range can only accommodate 20 shooters at a time; however, we plan to offer additional classes in the future, including an intermediate and advanced class.”

Dean said the March class is a perfect opportunity for women who, while may not carry a gun on their person, but have one in the home for personal protect.

“We’re not asking that participants present a valid pistol permit, because we thought that would limit the class,” he said. “Maybe you only have one in the nightstand or in the home somewhere. The range work on this class is simple. It’s not going to be too strenuous on anyone.

“The distances are going to be fixed and will be similar to those encountered during a self-defense scenario,” he said. “Typically, that’s 3 to 7 yards – the typical distance between you and an intruder or attacker.”

The cost is $10 per person, and one must provide her own unloaded handgun and a minimum of 50 rounds of ammunition. Eye and ear protection will be provided unless brought by the participant. One is encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Payment can be made the day of the class in the form of cash, check or money order payable to the Andalusia Police Department Equipment and Education Fund.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Dean or Brandy Smith at 334-222-1155 or 334-222-1253.