Police Activities League

For many children in our society, poverty and limited opportunities have become a way of life. Drug use and violence have a seriously negative impact on the environments of these children, and sometimes it seems to them the only way to get ahead is to join with these forces, becoming drug traffickers or gang members. In their world, these are the people with the fancy cars and nice clothes; the ones with power. But then the kids see these people become victims of their own lifestyles, getting arrested on drug charges. These youngsters want a better way of life, new role models and social skills that will help them break out of the cycle of poverty and criminal behavior that surrounds them.

PAL strives to reduce drug use and criminal activity among youngsters:

While offering fun and challenging activities from which kids can learn and grow, children learn self-respect and respect for authority figures. Through positive reinforcement and encouragement by police officers children see an alternative lifestyle to much that surrounds them and have a chance to develop the skills needed to set and achieve elevated goals.

In addition to developing a positive rapport and mutual trust between officers and children,

PAL's goals are reducing juvenile crime and drug use through less idle time and exposure to criminal opportunity. Another objective is to enhance the concept of "community policing" by exposing children to career opportunities in law enforcement, and promoting the recruitment of minority officers. The program also aims to promote physical fitness, mental alertness, sportsmanship, acceptable behavior, and a sense of personal achievement and self confidence.

PAL is a cooperative effort between the Lexington Division of Police and the Lexington Housing Authority.

The Housing Authority recognizes the opportunity for the success of PAL when crime has been reduced and renovations and clean-up in the area are evident. PAL is an example of networking at its best because it involves the Housing Authority, the police department and local government.

Information on PAL participation:

Equipment, administration, uniforms and other expenses are partially paid for through a grant from the Housing and Urban Development organization's youth sports and cultural program and by donations from organizations in both the public and private sectors. No fees or dues are required of participants.

PAL sites are located at 399 1/2 Withrow Way in the Bluegrass Aspendale Housing Complex and 1317 Centre Parkway. There is a computer lab in the facility to help develop computer skills. Also, foreign language, writing and other creative courses are available thanks to certified teachers provided through the Board of Education's Creative Activity Program (CAP). Also included is information on traffic safety, with special emphasis on neighborhood-level safety concerns. These include obeying speed limits, wearing of seatbelts (and child restraints for younger brothers and sisters), courtesy on the road, bicycle and moped safety, and emphasis on the critical importance of not drinking and driving.

Once a child is interested in participating in PAL, a signed parental consent form is all that is needed for he or she to begin. A wide variety of athletic, educational and other activities are offered during the summer months for boys and girls aged 7 - 18. The program also provides activities after school.

PAL athletic programs include: Football, Basketball, Baseball Leagues and Summer Camps.

Soccer and marching flag corps programs are being developed. The Police Explorers Scout Program allows youngsters to work with police a few hours a week to develop an interest in law enforcement that could lead to a position on the police force in the future. In addition, special events are organized for bike riding, skating, camping, hiking and fishing. Previous field trips have included Mammouth Cave, Kings Island, and the Beach Waterpark. One of the most special PAL activities is a Christmas program for the elderly, including visitation and gifts.

For more information or to obtain a parental consent form, please contact:

Lexington-Fayette Urban County
Division of Police
Bureau of Community Services
150 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 258-3636