Fundamental. Safety. Success.
Harvey Betts of Betts Defense Training is proud to provide the highest quality training information.
Harvey will help you build the firearms training fundamentals and advanced tactics you will need to lead a safe and positive weapons lifestyle.
Meet Harvey Betts
Harvey is the sole instructor at Betts Defense Training. He is currently certified by USCCA.
Harvey, a Combat Marine Corps Veteran, himself, a retired Baltimore City Police Officer, and a father, brings to you his expertise in Defense Training.
Training begins in his Edgewood, MD classroom and extends to the firing range for firearms qualification classes. For Home Defense classes, he’ll meet with you in your home to outline a solid plan.
If you or someone you love is thinking of or preparing for a military or police career Harvey has THE training, he’ll travel to the training location. Harvey is flexible and willing to meet you where you are.
Harvey is here to help you with all your self-defense needs.
Safety, Fundamental, and Success are the most important aspects of Betts Defense Training.
Learn More About Your Firearms + Self-Defense Instructor
What did Harvey’s time look like in the USMC?
From 1988 to 1992, Harvey was stationed at MCRD Paris Island, South Carolina and Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. He was part of the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLant) Military Unit. He served as Field Artillery. Sierra Battery, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines.
Harvey’s deployments included: Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia, Iraq and Kuwait.
How did Harvey get his start?
Both his father and grandfather are also retired combat veterans, so Harvey’s passion for firearms safety and training started at a very young age.
What weapons training does Harvey have?
✓ Colt .45 ACP Beretta 9mm
✓ Colt M16A2 / M203, M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) gunner
✓ M2 50 Cal machine gun
✓ M60 Machine gun
✓ MK19 grenade launcher
✓ M109A2 155mm SP Howitzer, M198 155mm Howitzer
✓ Glock 17 9mm, Glock 23 40cal
✓ Remington 870 shotgun
✓ Capture net
✓ M26 Taser
✓ Koga stick
✓ Collapsible baton
✓ Espantoon
✓ Pepper spray, Ku baton
✓ Canine
What did Harvey’s time look like as a Baltimore City Police Officer?
From 1993 to 2015, Harvey was assignment to varies units. He was awarded numerous citations and commendations for work performed above and beyond the normal duty requirements.
Unit Served:
✓ Special Operations Section (K9)
✓ Headquarters Security
✓ Patrol
What specialized training does Harvey have?
✓ Emergency Medical
✓ Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission General Classroom Instructor
✓ K9 Handler Training
✓ Arrest and Control Instructor / Self Defense Instructor – Koga
✓ Arrest and Control Instructor / Self Defense Instructor – Hicks
✓ Intermediate Impact Weapons and Self Defense
✓ Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor – NHTSA
✓ Crowd Control Training / Riot Training
✓ Shotgun and Less Lethal Shotgun Certification
✓ LIDAR / RADAR
✓ Senior – Field Training Officer (over 30)
✓ Handgun
✓ Shotgun
✓ Less Than Lethal & other self defense tacticsstyle.
What’s Harvey’s educational background?
He graduated from Walt Whitman HS in 1987. Then entered Marine Corps Boot Camp, Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. (1988). MOS School, Field Artillery Training in Fort Sill, OK. To later move on to the Fleet at Camp LeJeune NC. After returning home from the military as a combat veteran, Harvey entered the Baltimore City Police Department Academy (1993).
After retiring from the police department (2015), Harvey become a Licensed Private Detective in Maryland.
Betts Defense Training serves most of Maryland and surrounding areas, including Baltimore County.
Located in Harford County, Maryland. Close to Bel Air, Maryland. At Betts Defense Training we offer: