The Police Athletic League (PAL) is a recreation oriented juvenile crime prevention program that relies heavily on athletics and recreational activities to tighten the bond between police officers and kids in the community. First incorporated in the early 1930's, the PAL has a long history of developing bonds between cops and kids.

The Police Athletic League is based on the belief that children, if reached early enough, can develop a strong, positive, attitude towards police officers in their journey through life towards the goal of adulthood and citizenship.

A PAL program brings youngsters under the supervision and constructive influence of a responsible law enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer. That role is the positive reinforcement and support of the responsible values and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents.

Youth sports programs have contributed significantly to the reduction of delinquency in our communities. Police Athletic League's use athletic and recreational programs as a tool; a way to involve children in the program. While involved with PAL, the message of avoiding gangs, drugs, alcohol, and other detriments, is discussed with the youngsters. Although nationally known as a recreation program, the Police Athletic League has adapted to the changing times. PAL programs now incorporate programs such as computer skills, mentoring, and homework help, to further aid our children.

Studies show that if a youngster responds to a police officer in a positive way on the ballfield or in the classroom, he or she will very likely come to respect the laws that a police officer enforces. Such benefit to the youngsters and to the neighborhood and business community in which they grow up is virtually unmeasurable.