City of Wilmington Police Department

As part of our Community Engagement Unit, the Police Activities League PAL) was created in 2006 for the purpose of connecting police officers with the youth in their community by engaging them in positive sports and activities that improve their quality of life, present developmental opportunities, and offer the prospect of a brighter future. It’s concept is based on the belief that if kids are reached early enough they can develop strong positive attitudes toward police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship. With all of the events of the past several years, it has never been more important to facilitate encouraging interactions between our youth and the police.

What was originally created as the Police Athletics League has evolved into the Police Activities League. Along with weekly sports such as basketball, football, T-ball, PAL also hosts bi-weekly Teen Nights. These events provide a free, safe, and fun environment for teens to enjoy food, recreational activities, sports as well as guest speakers who provide positive message. These events are especially important to at-risk teens that may not have the resources in their neighborhoods. This program also includes fun and educational field trips to places such as The International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro.

The goal of of this program is to improve the outcomes for at-risk and high risk youth and reduce negative outcomes including juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and gang participation through coaching, mentoring, tutoring from officers as well as community volunteers. Eligibility requirements for the program include participants maintaining a “C” grade average, exhibiting acceptable conduct at school as well as in the community. Tutoring is provided to participants who fall below the required academic standards. This program aligns with all four of the Endowment’s pillars of social and health equity, education, community safety as well as community development. PAL provides opportunities and activities that participants may otherwise not be able to afford, tutoring resources to maintain educational requirements, safety for both participants and community by providing chaperoned, structured activities keeping them out of any possible trouble, and finally enriching our community by cultivating productive members of society.