What is PAL?

OUR MISSION

The St. Johns County Police Athletic League, with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, supports and inspires youth in St. Johns County to realize their full potential. IT’S MORE THAN A GAME.

HISTORY

 In 1914, New York Police Commissioner Arthur Woods began a social movement that would eventually be known as the Police Athletic League. Commissioner Woods started the movement over his concern for the at-risk children who lived in congested tenements. Commissioner Woods organized a city-wide search for vacant lots to be converted into playgrounds and set aside city blocks where traffic was prohibited. A goal of the program was to try and reduce tensions between police officers and youth. When Commissioner Woods visited these areas, mothers rushed to thank him, and children cheered his efforts. Providing a safe place to play under proper supervision reduced the temptation in young people for wrongdoing. These areas also provided openings for positive interactions between children and Police Officers. One hundred years later, PAL programs continue to provide the same benefits. In 1991, Sheriff Neil J Perry started the Historic St. Johns County PAL with these same goals in mind. St Johns PAL believes if young people can be reached early enough, strong positive attitudes toward police officers can be established.  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. St Johns PAL Staff and Volunteers take their responsibility as trusted adults very seriously. Our staff and volunteers have 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.