Youth Programs

Police Activities League

The California Police Activities League (PAL) is a California 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1971 by a group of visionary police officers, spearheaded by San Francisco Police Detective, Charles Ellis. The organizations primary goal was to have its members meet biannually to share ideas, information and procedures from their local PAL programs and to promote the PAL concept.

California PAL has continued to expand into one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the state. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of numerous individuals coming together to focus on engaging the youth of California, the organization now includes over 100 local Police, Sheriff’s, and Youth Activity Leagues from throughout the State of California.

The Paso Robles Police Department has been a chapter of PAL since 1994. The main program the Paso Robles chapter has to offer is the Jr. Giants baseball league held in June and July each year.

Basketball Tournament

In 1991, California PAL expanded its mission to engage youth by bringing together youth teams from local member PALs throughout the state and holding its first annual basketball tournament. Building from that successful event, California PAL now sponsors many different types of boys and girls youth sporting events, and other enriching youth activities that are conducted in a safe, supervised environment

Junior Giants Program

The Junior Giants Program is a summer baseball league, run free of charge for children ages 8-13 living in inner cities and rural suburbs throughout Central and Northern California. Coaches teach values such as teamwork, confidence, integrity and leadership to players in hopes of helping the children to make smart decisions, and to keep them active and off the streets.

Recently, California PAL has also made a concerted effort to provide high-tech tools for its local PAL members to communicate, exchange ideas, and manage their PAL branches more effectively. These efforts have also expanded to assisting local PAL branches in providing youth with the opportunity to gain essential computer training and skills for the high-tech workplace.

From its humble beginnings over 30 years ago, California PAL has grown into an organization that makes a positive difference in the youth of California and strives to continue making a strong contribution in reducing juvenile crime and creating a safer environment within the State of California.

Crime Prevention Education

Officers are available to provide classroom education and demonstrations to schools, community groups, clubs and organizations. This is an excellent opportunity for staff to share their expertise. Requests should be made at least 30 days in advance. Contact the Watch Commander at 805-237-6464.

Tours

Tours of the Public Safety Center, home of Police and Emergency Services, are by appointment only. If schedules permit, we will introduce you to our K-9 Officers and other "specialized" units. Wear comfortable shoes. Tour takes approximately 1 hour. To schedule your tour, please contact Mary Sponhaltz in the Police Department at 805-227-7520.