The Police Athletic League (PAL) of Jacksonville
is one of the oldest citizen-building youth programs in the nation.
It builds friendships between law enforcement officers and
children within the community and is based on the conviction
that young people - if reached early enough - can develop
strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their
journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good
citizenship. Studies have shown that if a young person
respects a police officer on the ball field, in the gym or
classroom, they will likely come to respect the laws that
police officers enforce. Our staff and volunteers also have
the opportunity to be a trusted authority figure that
assists children with finding guidance, setting goals, and
enjoying new life opportunities. PAL has embraced
traditional American values where one generation responsibly
shares its wisdom and helps kids learn to work together to
be responsible for themselves,
as well as set goals in
their lives.
PAL offers year-round and seasonal sports programs, after-school education programs, and summer camps. PAL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) youth-serving organization with the cooperative effort of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
and is committed to providing safe and structured activities to the youth of Jacksonville.
PAL employs JSO officers and a highly trained civilian staff
to oversee these programs to insure safety, competency and
order. PAL programs and facilities are available to all
youth, regardless of their race, religion or financial
situation.
Our Mission:
In an effort to reduce juvenile crime and instill positive
values, character and leadership skills, PAL provides safe
activities for the youth of Jacksonville. Our athletic and
educational programs emphasize positive interaction with law
enforcement officers and other adult role models.
Core Values and Principals Guiding our Actions:
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Community Focused
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Always Improving
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Worthy of Trust
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Respect for Others
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 Honor Roll Student Jarquez
Smith with Assistant Chief
Bobby
L. Deal |
Success Story:
Caring Adults + A Willing Child =
Higher Grades and Soaring Self Esteem
Jarquez Smith is a 10-year-old 4th grader. Jarquez now
attends George Washington Carver Elementary school, where he
is in the ESE program. Jarquez was a (F Student) prior to
the intervention of the Police Athletic League of
Jacksonville and Hope Haven Children’s Clinic. Jarquez was
tested through Nemours Brightstart Dyslexia Initiative and
as a result of his testing, discovered that his case was
much more severe than the average Dyslexia student. It was
recommended that Jarquez receive specialized tutoring at
Hope Haven Children’s Clinic. The tutoring began at Hope
Haven with the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville
assisting the family with transportation. Jarquez attends
Hope Haven twice a week for one hour of tutoring. Jarquez for
the first time in his life achieved the A-B honor roll the
second grading period. Jarquez now has high self-esteem and
confidence in himself to be a successful student. |
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