The Police Athletic League (PAL) is a juvenile crime prevention program that relies on athletic and academic activities to tighten the bond between police officers and the youth in the community.

The program is based on the belief that youngsters, if reached early enough, can develop a strong positive attitude towards police officers as they journey through life seeking the goal of adulthood and community responsibility.

Research studies indicate that youngsters accurately reflect the attitudes of their parents and other persons significant in their environment. These attitudes are learned from their culture and sub-culture. The most significant finding for a police officer is that these attitudes, with little effort, can be changed.

The Police Athletic League program promotes greater trust and understanding between the youngsters and officers, which in turn reflects back on the community where they live and work. Studies show that if a youth responds to a police officer in a positive way on the ball field, or in the classroom, they will very likely come to respect the laws that a police officer enforces.

As one of the most integral and venerated components of the education system, youth sports programs have contributed significantly to the reduction of delinquency. It is through programs such as P.A.L. that today's youth will pick up the values that will carry them through life.

Such benefit to the youth, the neighborhood, and the business community in which they live is virtually immeasurable.