The History of PAL
In 1914, the Police Commissioner in New York City, Mr. Arthur Woods, created a social program in hopes to reduce tension between police officers and the youth in the community. Commissioner Woods expressed concern for the underprivileged kids in the neighborhood and understood there was a dire need for safe areas for them to play. He sought out vacant lots to be converted into playgrounds and also set aside city blocks where traffic was prohibited. This created a safe place for kids to play and allowed for proper supervision, which in turn reduced crime. His efforts were very much appreciated in the community and families were so thankful for his hard work and dedication in making New York City a safer neighborhood. Positive interactions with police and kids were established and lessened the tension with officers and people in the community. That social program was officially given the name “Police Athletic League”
What is PAL?
The Police Athletic/Activities League, also referred to as PAL, is a nationally recognized program tailored in bridging the gap between law enforcement and youth in the community. The very existence of this program aids in the preventing of juvenile crime and violence by providing mentorship, civic/service, athletic, recreational, enrichment and educational opportunities.
This program allows children to see law enforcement as being normal, everyday people that share the same common interests as them. Today, there are over 300 chapters between law enforcement agencies or operating as a 501C3 Non-profit organization. This organization has expanded to the U.S. Virgin Islands. As it stands, Lexington PAL is only one of two programs in the state of Kentucky.
Most recently, Louisville Metro Police Department decided to bring their PAL program back due to seeing an increase in juvenile crime. There are many successful and famous people who acknowledge the Police Athletic/Activities League changed their life for the better. Probably, the most famous to acknowledge PAL is Muhammed Ali.
When Did PAL Start in Lexington?
Lexington PAL began in January of 1985 and K9 Officer Roy Mardis is credited with starting the program. Sadly, the department suffered a huge loss when Officer Mardis was killed in the line of duty months later. The unfortunate death of Officer Mardis did not put a stop on adding PAL to Community Services. The department saw the need for building community relationships, so the program continued on.
Who Helps Fund PAL?
For a large number of years, Safety Officer Connie Rayford took on the responsibility of running the operations of Lexington PAL. She is a huge reason as to why many in the community know of the Police Athletic/Activities League. Safety Officer Rayford was chosen to serve on National PAL’s board, where she was over five regions and bordering states. She was very instrumental with getting the National PAL basketball tournament in Lexington, KY.
Safety Officer Rayford, alongside of Officers: Jonathan Washington, Michael Smith, Jerry Loughran and Greg Brown, earned the trust of the community and were able to bridge the gap between the police department and youth. With their hard work and dedication, they’re responsible for several youth earning athletic and academic scholarships. Many prior participants of the program have gone on to play professional sports.
A large number of them have also come back to donate their time and serve as mentors and coaches for PAL. Lexington PAL is able to function and offer several programs with the help of civilian and officer volunteers. The organization also receives a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which helps with funding, along with donations from the community.