Scott Ballou, Instructor

Lieutenant Scott Ballou started working at the Marshall University Police Dept in 1999 and was Certified as a Basic and Advanced RAD Instructor for RAD Systems in 2000. 

Scott has taught over 3,000 women while at Marshall. He is the State Director for RAD Systems in West Virginia. In 2015 Lieutenant Ballou received the 2015 RAD Aggressor Award as one of the Nations Top Instructors.

“It truly is an honor to be involved in such and awesome program where you really are making a difference, changing lives and empowering women through Self-Defense.” -Sergeant Scott Ballou

Nick Martin, Instructor

Officer Nick Martin attended Marshall University earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2019, and graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy in 2019 apart of the 180th Basic Officer Class. In his short time working for Marshall University Police Department, Officer Martin has been trained as a hostage negotiator in 2020, certified to teach as a Basic RAD Instructor for RAD Systems in 2021, and certified to teach the Axon TASER course in 2021. Officer Martin received his Master’s Degree in Safety Engineering from Marshall University in 2023.

“Being a RAD instructor is very rewarding as the techniques and the risk reduction strategies we teach have been used in real life situations by women to defend themselves.” – Officer Nick Martin

Claire Smith, Instructor

Officer Claire Smith attended Marshall University earning her Bachelor’s Degree in 2019 in Sociology. She graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy in 2019 apart of the 180th Basic Officer Class. She completed her Master’s Degree in Sociology from Marshall University in 2021. In 2022 she completed training and became certified in Investigative Discourse Statement Analysis, Law Enforcement Instructor Development, FBI CJIS Face Comparison and Identification, and became a Magnet Certified Forensic Examiner (MCFE) . She became certified to teach as a Basic RAD Instructor for RAD Systems in 2024.

“I am honored to have the weekly opportunity to teach women on Marshall’s campus how to defend themselves through the RAD classes taught. It is a wonderful thing to see a woman finish the class feeling stronger and more confident than when she started.” – Officer Claire Smith