The Riviera Beach Police Department is seeking to implement the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) in Riviera Beach. The proposed Riviera Beach Chapter of PAL would operate as a member of the National Police Athletic Leagues, Inc. (National PAL).
According to National PAL, studies have shown that if a young person engages with law enforcement on the ball field, gym, or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and the business community.
Violent crime rates in the United States increased significantly in 2020. Unfortunately, Riviera Beach was not shielded from the upward crime trends. For 2020, preliminary crime data shows that Riviera Beach experienced a 129% increase in homicides, and violent crime as a whole, increased by 23%.
The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League, Inc. exists to aid in the preventing of juvenile crime and violence by providing mentorship, civic/service, athletic, recreational, enrichment and educational opportunities and resources to PAL Membership Chapters. As a membership based organization, National PAL seeks to provide its Chapters with resources and opportunities to aid them within their organizational growth, as well as, to assist them within their pursuits of showcasing their unique programs and enhance the quality of individual youth engagement experiences.
Using the National PAL model, the Riviera Beach Police Department will develop a proactive, prevention-oriented strategy, which relies on the cooperation, coordination and building of relationships between Police, Community, and Youth through recreation and cultural enrichment. The Riviera Beach PAL will focus on providing youth, eight to eighteen years of age, the opportunity to be a part of a variety of programs, athletics and activities with Riviera Beach Police Officers, City employees, coaches, mentors and role models. According to US Census Data, there are approximately 5000 youth in our community within the age range serviced by PAL.
RBPD P.A.L. objectives:
- To create a safe and healthy environment indicated by increased participation and reduction in crime around the communities;
- To give youth alternatives to conflict resolution through participation in programs;
- To prevent high school dropout rate;
- To steer youth away from criminal activities;
- To build character and develop leadership excellence among our youth;
- To train, promote and build strong minds through Athletics and Community stewardship – A mentorship model.
The efforts cultivate and support communities to carry out crime prevention strategies and integrate the concept of Community Policing across the City of Riviera Beach.
Riviera Beach Police Department took on internship programs, where youths worked in the Police Department and shadowed Police Officers in Community affairs. Police Officers developed an understanding of what youth wanted from their police department and from Police Officers. Police Officers maintained a constant rapport with youths who are enrolled in the Police Explorers Program, but were not able to participate in group activities due to COVID-19. Police Officers are prepared to engage with youth in three basic areas; Education, Youth Dialogue and Career Development.
Riviera Beach P.A.L. will be integrated into the City of Riviera Beach Police Department, Parks and Recreation, and other youth groups. Other youth activities groups will create other ways to engage with our youths in the City of Riviera Beach PAL. and seeking to develop partnership with local community based organizations. The initial activities for PAL will include, but not limited to chess, SCUBA, snorkeling, flag football, basketball, tennis, soccer, softball, baseball, kickball, Police Explorers, Trail Bike Riding, and more. Officers have been visiting with youths at schools and neighborhood meetings in the community, and have shown great interest in having a PAL Program.
Upon the approval the City Council, the Riviera Beach Police Department will take the steps necessary to implement a successful Police Athletic/Activities League Program in our community.