Policy Text
\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nFORT MYERS POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER 5.4
TITLE: P.A.L. Program (Police Athletic League)
INDEXING: P.A.L. Program, P.A.L., Police Athletic League
ISSUED: 05/09/08 REVISED: 05/08/2024 RESCINDS: 06/14/2018
C.A.L.E.A. STANDARDS: 44 PAGES: 4
CONTENTS
This general order contains the following numbered sections:
I. Management & Administration of Program
II. P.A.L. Facilities
III. Programs, Fundraising, & Training
PURPOSE
The Police Athletic League is a non-profit corporation of private citizens and law enforcement members
who partner with each other voluntarily for the following purposes: (CALEA 44.1.1)
• To promote and safeguard the constructive interests of the youth of the community.
• To provide positive law enforcement interaction and role models for youth through
recreational activities.
• To partner law enforcement and community member’s efforts for the benefit of youth.
• To fulfill the need for youth recreational activities, thereby reducing the potential for
juvenile crime.
• To benefit the city’s youth without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.
• To educate the city’s youth about respect and discipline through programs and
recreational activities.
SCOPE
These procedures shall apply to all Fort Myers Police Department personnel.
DISCUSSION / POLICY (C.A.L.E.A. 44.1.1 & 44.2.5)
The Police Athletic League as administered by the Fort Myers Police Department has an overall objective
to provide quality activities and interaction between law enforcement, community adult leaders, and youths
in the community. The Fort Myers Police Department is committed to the development and perpetuation
of programs such as P.A.L. that are intended to help prevent and control juvenile delinquency.
The Police Athletic League Program is a juvenile crime prevention program operated by the department
and relies on athletic and academic activities for creating better relations and tightening the bond between
law enforcement and the youth of our community. The program is designed to prevent juvenile delinquency
by instilling in youth a sense of fair play and respect for authority. This directive also describes the various
programs that are directed at the youth of the community. P.A.L. is based on the belief that youngsters, if
reached early enough, can develop a strong, positive attitude towards law enforcement as they journey
through life seeking the goal of adulthood and good citizenship.
G.O. 5.4 P.A.L. Program 1 of 4 05/08/2024\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nIt is a joint effort of the community and law enforcement designed to use recreational and organized
activities to prevent crime, strengthen bonds with the community and develop positive interaction with
youth. It is clearly in the best interest of the community to invest in the youth.
SECTION I: ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT OF PROGRAM
A. The administration and management of the Police Athletic League is the responsibility of the
Community Engagement Bureau Commander, the P.A.L. Board of Directors, and the P.A.L.
Coordinator.
B. The P.A.L. Coordinator is a civilian or sworn officer employed by the police department to
administer the P.A.L. program.
C. The P.A.L. Board of Directors is governed by the Fort Myers Police Athletic League, Inc. By-
Laws and meets once a month. These meetings are recorded by the Secretary. The board can
have up to twelve (12) Directors and must include the following:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Treasurer
4. Secretary
5. Up to 8 Director Positions
D. Day to day operation of P.A.L. is the responsibility of the P.A.L. Coordinator. Such operation
includes but is not limited to:
1. Develop community recreational programs.
2. Organize and conduct youth activities.
3. Set forth positive images, team play and build self-esteem.
4. Encourage positive activities for the youths in the community.
5. Use supervised activities as a deterrent against crime and juvenile delinquency.
6. Promote crime prevention, protection of property and preservation of law and
order.
7. Provide youths of our community and surrounding communities with a healthy,
safe, and productive environment.
E. All programs within the Police Athletic League will be fully documented by the P.A.L.
Coordinator.
F. Documentation will include but is not limited to:
1. Intent of the program.
2. Goals and objectives of each program.
3. Projected start and completion dates.
4. Number of children involved.
5. Program costs.
6. Participants name, date of birth, address and sport they are participating in.
G. The Program Coordinator is responsible to schedule P.A.L. activities, and for reserving locations
for activities.
H. The Program Coordinator assigns duties and responsibilities to persons engaged in P.A.L.
activities.
I. The Program Coordinator is responsible for equipment maintenance and includes:
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2. Issue
3. Recovery
4. Reconditioning
J. The Program Coordinator shall submit a quarterly and annual report of the finances and the
programs developed and administered by the Police Athletic League. The evaluation should
consider both the quantitative and qualitative elements of each program lending itself to decisions
regarding whether a specific program should function as is, be modified, or be discontinued. The
report shall be submitted to the Chief of Police through the Community Engagement Bureau
Commander. (CALEA 44.1.3)
SECTION II: P.A.L. FACILITIES
A. When P.A.L. programs, events, or activities are held at a city-owned or privately owned facility, it
is the responsibility of the P.A.L. Coordinator, or designee(s) to ensure that the youth follow the
guidelines or rules of that facility, and act accordingly.
B. All equipment is to be returned to its respective storage place after use. Safety collars and spotters
are to be used during the free weight exercise at all times.
C. All damaged or missing equipment is to be reported immediately to the P.A.L. Coordinator and
Bureau Commander.
D. The P.A.L. Coordinator shall immediately notify the police department, (Community
Engagement Bureau Commander) of any significant incidents and / or injuries.
SECTION III: PROGRAMS, FUNDRAISING, TRAINING
A. Programs: Current sports programs and activities offered by the Fort Myers Police Department
P.A.L. include:
1. Boxing
2. Baseball
3. Basketball
4. Flag Football
5. Golf
6. Swimming
7. Softball
8. Track and Field
9. Special events
10. Field trips
11. Other after school programs at the direction of the board of Directors.
B. Fundraising: All money raised will be for P.A.L. tax-exempt charitable purposes and will go back
into the organization. The police department does not solicit funds for its own use. The P.A.L.
Board of Directors will be responsible for managing all funds associated with the program. The
P.A.L. Coordinator will include an overview of collections and disbursements related to the P.A.L.
program in the quarterly and annual reports for review by the Chief of Police.
C. Training: The P.A.L. Program Coordinator receives training at conferences and specified training
provided through the Training Unit.
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REFERENCES:
Fort Myers Police Department P.A.L. By-Laws
APPROVED:
[Electronic Signature on File] 05/08/2024
________________________________ ____________________________
Jason Fields, Chief of Police Date
Fort Myers Police Department
G.O. 5.4 P.A.L. Program 4 of 4 05/08/2024