Odessa Police Athletic League
Cops and Kids Together A Part of the Solution

The Police Athletic League Of Odessa, Texas, Incorporated, was introduced to the community on January 25, 1992. PAL is a nonprofit, charitable organization funded by public contributions. The National Association of Police Athletic Leagues is the largest organization of law enforcement agencies formed to prevent juvenile crime and violence utilizing a recreation-oriented juvenile crime prevention program that relies heavily upon athletics, recreational and educational activities to help kids learn responsibility. Through our crime prevention program, our mission and commitment is "Filling Playgrounds, Not Prisons." With the public's support, young people will be given an opportunity to turn away from crime and drugs that invade our streets.

About Our Program

The Odessa Chapter is just one of the many that makes up the National PAL Organization. Today, National PAL is a network of over 350 PAL Chapters nationwide operating programs in 1,700 facilities which serve more than 2 million youth. The Odessa Police Department recognizes the need to interact with the youth of our community. We now have the opportunity to be around kids in a positive environment. The Police Athletic League program is based on the principle that young people, if they are reached early enough, can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and becoming a good citizen. The Police Athletic League helps to expand the public's awareness about the role of a police officer and develops a philosophy of fair play, courtesy and consideration of others. The Police Athletic League instills and reinforces responsible values and attitudes and lets our youth know that police officers are their friends. The Odessa Police Athletic League is under the oversight of community leaders who are appointed to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director oversees the daily operations of the program and there are two full-time police officers assigned to the Police Athletic League program. 

The Police Athletic League offers two different programs. The six week long Summer program began in 1992 and offers activities between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The main objective of the Summer program is to provide the children with safe and positive activities. Police officers teach the children leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork. The After-School program is conducted during the school year closely following the school district calendar. This program is an after school tutoring and athletic program. PAL members spend time after school studying and receive help with their homework from police officers and volunteers. After their work is finished, they participate in organized sports. 

Membership Eligibility

To be eligible, children must be 8 to 13 years of age. There is a small membership fee to help cover the cost of insurance and a t-shirt that they receive during the program. Additional costs occur when field trips or when involved in other activities such as: bowling and ice skating. Teenage volunteers starting at age 14 are encouraged. Teen volunteers will undergo a background check upon application. Texas Scholar students are encouraged to participate.