Dan Starks, Personal Safety Specialist
Back in April 2000 WCNC began a new franchise with Personal Safety Specialist Dan Starks called Don't Be A Victim. The weekly segment focuses on what citizens can do to protect themselves in today's world. Dan is a big believer in arming yourself with knowledge. He advises viewers to have a plan before they become a victim; to play out any possible situation in your mind so you'll know how to react if it does happen. Each week he offers practical tips that anyone can do.
Over the last year and a half Dan has covered almost every issue from carjacking and rape to gun safety and terrorism. WCNC-TV was recently honored with an Emmy nomination for a special Don't Be A Victim series that centered on kids' safety. Dan brings his 20 years of experience in the self-defense industry to viewers every Wednesday night on WCNC Nightcast at 11.
In July 2001, WCNC expanded Dan Starks' role by creating a new franchise called Partners Against Crime. Where Don't Be A Victim focuses on individual safety, Partners Against Crime focuses on what people can do to protect their community. The segment empowers viewers to take responsibility for what's happening around the area, and to get involved to make changes.
Each week Dan teams up with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to bring awareness about local crime. With help from the police, Dan discusses crime patterns in certain neighborhoods, looks at who is on "Charlotte's Ten Most Wanted" and profiles unsolved cases and missing persons cases. More importantly, the segment offers specific actions citizens can take to help police. Partners Against Crime airs every Monday night on WCNC Nightcast at 11.
Dan has been in the business of teaching self-defense for many years having had the privilege of working with tens of thousands of folk from all walks of life. Clients include agents from the FBI, Secret Service and Law Enforcement officers; however, most are law abiding citizens looking for the best way to protect themselves, employees and families.
Dan is involved in many professional organizations including the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, NRA, American Women's Self-Defense Organization, Infraguard, High Tech Crime Investigation Association and the National Range Officers Association.
Along with watching Dan on WCNC-TV, you can also see him on the monthly Public Access Television show, "Guns-n Stuff." Previously, Dan hosted a weekly radio program on WBT 1110 AM News Talk Radio called "Starks Reality."
