The Atlanta PAL program is a non-profit  charitable organization.  Its  purpose is to encourage a spirit of trust, loyalty, and value among the City of Atlanta youth.  The program utilizes athletic, educational, and recreational activities for youth to foster trust and understanding between police officers and the community.  Atlanta Police Department Interim Chief George N. Turner is President of the PAL Board of Directors.  Atlanta PAL is a local chapter of the National Police Athletic/Activities League.  PAL has three centers in Atlanta: A.D. Williams Recreation Center on James Jackson Parkway, Dunbar Recreation Center on Windsor Drive, and Anderson Park Center on Anderson Avenue. The youth who participate in PAL develop positive attitudes towards the police officers with whom they interact.  Like any mentor, the officers attempt to instill in the youth those attributes which will assist them as they mature.  The intent is that the mutual respect and admiration that is developed between the youth and law enforcement will carry over to a respect for the law and the role of police in enforcing the laws.  

     A PAL center is similar to any other recreation center.  There is the gym, the main attraction for youth seeking to be the next Kobe Bryant or Lebron James.  The center has  ping-pong, foosball, and air hockey tables.  There is a kitchen, area for meeting, and computer lab.  What distinguishes a PAL center is its dedicated core of PAL police officers assigned to the center.  The presence of these full-time on duty officers convey strength, security, and confidence.  They serve as coaches and mentors to the youth.  Their guidance is not through “get over here and do what I said” but rather through a gentle but firm interaction that displays a caring touch.  Like a gardener tending to his plants they provide the constant molding and nurturing for the tender youth to stay straight and grow. Lt. Hendricks says you have to be patient and tolerant in working with the youth.  Officer Lawrence, a PAL officer and football coach, believes that by being proactive the youth will associate positive things with the police and this will inspire them to also do positive things.

Lt. Hendricks does a daily homeowrk check before free play

     The PAL officers do a fantastic job but the need for volunteers to assist the officers is great.  Tensley Cofor, known as Coach T.C., has been volunteering at PAL centers for 15 years.  He grew up in the Mechanicsville section of Atlanta and wanted to help kids in his neighborhood.  PAL officers say that although he has a full-time job, Coach T.C. never misses a day of coaching and mentoring the youth.  PAL recently lost the support of one of its biggest supporters with the killing last year of former welterweight boxing champion Vernon Forrest.  Forrest trained at the A.D. Williams Center in preparation for his fights.  He also contributed money, clothes, and other items.  Officer Vail, who is assigned to the A.D. Williams Center, went to school with Forrest at Northern Michigan University.  Vail says “One time he came in with 30 bikes for the PAL kids.” More than the financial contributions PAL misses Forrest’s presence.  Vail says, “He was always encouraging the youth.  He explained his background and told them they could be successful.”  In memory of Forrest, PAL launched its Gloves Not Guns program to curb gun and gang violence.  Anyone who has an interest in reaching the youth before they become a part of the criminal justice system is invited to support PAL.

 Former Welterweight Champion Vernon Forrest seen left in a PAL t-shirt was a huge supporter of PAL; right Officer Vail provides boxing instruction to youth at the A.D. Williams Center

     Many of the youth who are registered for the PAL program are picked up each day from their schools.  They come to the PAL center between 2:30-3:00 p.m.. The first order of business is homework.  Between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. the students work on their homework.  Volunteers help with homework and tutor the youth.  Once the students complete their academic work, they are free to participate in supervised activity  in the gym or computer lab. The younger students stay at the center until 6:00 p.m.  After 6:00 p.m. basketball teams practice or there is open gym for youth 16 & older.  The center closes at 9:00 p.m. Not all youth who come to the center want to play basketball. Some youth come to a PAL center because it is a safe place to socialize with friends.  Jeanette Reese has been bringing her two grandchildren to a PAL center for over a year.  She likes PAL  because the officers are nice to the children but demand the youth treat them with respect.

     During the time that Lieutenant Hendricks has been over PAL he can only recall one time when a disorderly youth had to be arrested.  That youth later returned and apologized.  He continued to come to the center.  The PAL centers are also places where youth on probation can complete their community service.  Lieutenant Hendricks says there is a great need for volunteers to work with the older group.  PAL recently tried to reach out to this group through the creation of an 18 and under basketball team.  He would like to see a GED program and Job Training program operate at the PAL sites.

     PAL is funded by public and private contributions.  PAL is always looking for support and volunteers.  Anyone interested can call (404) 799-2341 or write to: Atlanta Police Athletic League, Inc., 1154 James Jackson Parkway N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30318.