Former police detective Laurie Latham is dedicated to teaching defense strategies to students ages 5 to 15 to help keep them safe, a program she is bringing to Yuma, Arizona. She also will offer a self-defense class for teen girls and women.

Play It Safe Defense was founded by Tracie Arlington in 2003 in San Diego. Latham partnered with her and started AZ Play It Safe, applying what she learned during 20 years of law enforcement that included specific training on crimes against women and children.

“I took many sex offenders to prison,” she said. “I spent a lot of time with them and picked their brains.”
From what she learned, she has enhanced the self-defense and personal protection programs she offers children, teens and women. AZ Play It Safe’s motto is, “Don’t tell me how to stay safe … teach me.”