Welcome
The St. Johns County Police Athletic League (PAL) was started in 1991 by former Sheriff Neil J. Perry. PAL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) youth-serving organization with the cooperative effort of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. St. Johns PAL is committed to providing safe and structured activities to the youth of St. Johns County. St. Johns PAL is operated by SJSO Deputy Sheriff's and civilian PAL specialist to oversee these programs to insure safety, competency and order. St. Johns PAL programs are available to all the youth of St. Johns County, regardless of their race, religion, or financial situation. The mission of St. Johns PAL is to reduce crime and instill positive values, character and leadership skills by emphasizing a positive interaction between the youthful participants and law enforcement officers, along with other adult role models.
PAL works in cooperation with many local organizations such as the County Recreation Department, St. Johns County School District, United Way of St. Johns County, Juvenile Justice, Weed and Seed and many others to offer programs to the youth of our communities.
PAL is one of the oldest citizen-building youth programs in the nation. It builds friendships between law enforcement officers and children within the community and is based on the conviction that young people, if reached early enough, can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship. 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. Our staff and volunteers also have the opportunity to be a trusted authority figure that assists children with finding guidance, setting goals, and enjoying new life opportunities. PAL has 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.
Our Mission Statement
- Provide and coordinate programs and activities which contribute to the development of character, integrity, physical and mental fitness, citizenship, sportsmanship and personal well-being.
- Encourage and support public participation regardless of race, creed, sex or national orgin.
- Promote friendly and cooperative relationships between the youthful participants and law enforcement officers.
