PAL Mission Statement

What is PAL...

PAL is a recreation-oriented juvenile crime prevention program that relies heavily upon athletics and recreational activities to create and cement the bond between police officers and the kids on the street.

PAL is based on the strong belief that children who are reached early enough can develop a healthy, positive attitude toward police officers in their journey through life toward adulthood and good citizenship.

History of Frederick PAL

Frederick’s PAL began in October 1999, when the Frederick Police Department formed a partnership with the local YMCA.

Police participated in the YMCA’s middle school EDGE program, where officers played a mentoring, coaching, and teaching role while establishing relationships with Frederick’s youth.

To reach out further, the Police Department also formed a partnership with the Community Action Youth Services. In March 2000, the PAL OPEN-GYM program began at Waverly Elementary School. Administered by an officer and a member of the city’s recreational staff, the program focuses on sports, sportsmanship, appropriate behavior, and character development. The program has since expanded to other local elementary schools, where participants are supervised by police officers.

In November of 2003, the Frederick Police Activities League, with the support of the Carroll Creek Rotary Club, opened the first PAL Center in the city. The PAL Center incorporates athletic programs as well as peer helper groups, parenting groups, a computer learning center, homework assistance, arts and crafts activities, team building and community service learning projects, and other programs to further aid children and provide them with opportunities they otherwise might not have.

PAL Program Schedule

We invite your children to come and participate in our PAL program. Please stop by a center location to pick up an enrollment form or you can download one from the link on the right.