The mission of the Police Activities League (PAL) is to provide a safe and supervised after school education, enrichment and recreation program for Los Angeles children seven to seventeen years of age.

Established in 1995, PAL became a partnership program between the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector. The PAL program sponsors many activities allowing students to foster a better understanding of law enforcement.

"I have become more confident in myself. I have improved my grades and I don’t get in trouble like I used to. I even have better bike riding skills. I have visited some beautiful places I had never seen before, since I didn’t get out much." - Berendo Middle School student

From the close of school each day until 6:00 p.m., PAL programs serve more than 500 students yearly at 10 schools. By the year 2003, PAL programs will operate at 15 schools servicing more than one thousand students. The Program is free to students regularly enrolled at the school site.

Each location is a safe haven for the children it serves, providing a nutritious snack every day and offering activities that include but are not limited to;

• Homework Assistance
• Arts and Crafts
• Music
• Seasonal Sports
• Field Trips
• Girls Basketball Camp
• Bicycle Safety
• Bicycle Mechanics
• College Football Games
• Skate Board Parks
• Basketball Games
• Street Hockey League

Independent evaluations of PAL programs have determined;

• an increase in school attendance
• a significant improvement in grades
• positive behavior changes
• a sense of safety and security

The PAL program maintains an adult to child ratio of 1:5. PAL staff members include site coordinators, high school workers and parent volunteers.

Designated police officers assume supervision responsibility until all students are released to an authorized adult. The PAL program is coordinated by a police officer designated by the Los Angeles School Police Department (see side bar) and all staff are accountable to the department.