Garner Police Athletic/Activities League
The Garner Police
Athletic/Activities League (PAAL) is a youth crime
prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic and recreational
activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth.
It is based on the conviction that young people - if they are reached early
enough - can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their
journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship. The PAAL
program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of a law
enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police
officer and the reinforcement of the responsible values and attitudes instilled
in young people by their parents.
Studies have shown that if a
young person respects a police officer on the ball field, gym or classroom, the
youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such
respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and
the business community.
As the success of the PAAL concept spread, PAAL programs developed in other
communities. A little over 60 years ago, six Chapters on the eastern seaboard
joined together to form an association to share ideas and resources and compete
in several sports. Today, there are over 400 PAL Member Chapters in law
enforcement agencies servicing over 700 cities and 1,700 facilities throughout
the United States, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving more than two
million youth, ages 5 to 18.
For any general comments or
inquiries you can reach us
HERE.