Filling playgrounds, not prisons
The Winter Haven Police Athletic League (PAL) is a recreation-based juvenile crime prevention program designed to bring children and police officers together in a safe, non-adversarial environment. The program relies heavily on athletics and recreational and educational activities to create and cement the bond between the police officer and the children of Winter Haven. The Police Athletic League is located in the heart of the City's community policing target zone of Florence Villa. The center is operated by the Winter Haven Police Department, and managed by a full-time police officer who serves as its director. The center is open at least 40 hours weekly. The Winter Haven Police Athletic League is incorporated in the State of Florida as a non-profit educational corporation and is affiliated with the National and Florida Police Athletic Leagues.