"Filling playgrounds, not prisons"

The Winter Haven Police Athletic League (PAL) is a recreation-based juvenile crime prevention program designed to bring children and police officers together in a safe, non-adversarial environment. The program relies heavily on athletics and recreational and educational activities to create and cement the bond between the police officer and the children of Winter Haven. The Police Athletic League is located in the heart of the City's community policing target zone of Florence Villa. The center is operated by the Winter Haven Police Department, and managed by a full-time police officer who serves as its director. The center is open at least 40 hours weekly. The Winter Haven Police Athletic League is incorporated in the State of Florida as a non-profit educational corporation and is affiliated with the National and Florida Police Athletic Leagues.
 

 
How can a youth Join the Police Athletic League?
Any child, male or female, between the ages of 6 years and 18 years of age can participate at the Police Athletic League.  All that is required is a willingness to participate.

What is the Police Athletic League?
The Police Athletic League is a youth activities program administered by the Winter Haven Police Department and a volunteer Board of Directors for the following purposes:
 

	Preventing juvenile crime and drug use
	To provide positive role models for our youth
	To develop discipline, self esteem and positive moral values through wholesome competition
	To create better relations through communication between law enforcement officers and the youth of our community

Why do kids need the Police Athletic League?
Some youth in our community grow up with no positive contact with police officers.  The lack of positive contact breeds distrust and fear.  Negative influences in some parts of the community are having more impact on our youth than the positive influences. P.A.L. provides positive role models for our youth and a drug free, safe place and atmosphere for youth to play and learn. P.A.L. can turn a loser with no self-esteem into a winner with pride.

The Police Athletic League involves the community.  It is a cooperative effort of the Winter Haven Police Department, community volunteers, businesses leaders and citizens. P.A.L. is funded by public contributions that go directly to the youth at P.A.L.  Money raised at P.A.L. goes to funding first-rate programs and to purchase and maintain equipment used by P.A.L. members.  Donations enable community youth to participate in police-supervised activities.


How can you help the Winter Haven P.A.L.?
P.A.L. is always looking for adult volunteers to coach, tutor and assist our P.A.L. staff. You may also assist P.A.L financially by making a contribution.


For more information, contact: