Building positive relationships between youth, police officers and the community
OXNARD — In April of 1994 the Oxnard Police Activities League was born and a new method of youth crime prevention was introduced to the community. A program designed to attract youth considered “at-risk” that puts police officers directly working with kids in a non-confrontational environment allows Oxnard youth to see that the officers are like them, they play basketball, shoot pool, play ping pong, and so much more. When the program began it operated out of a small building at Durley Park offering after school activities to the neighborhood, three years later the Oxnard PAL Youth Resource Center was opened at the recently closed Oxnard High School on K Street. Now 25 years after the first PAL program began Oxnard boast two PAL locations, 17 program areas; outreach events that include backpack giveaways; holiday events; PAL Kids Fest; state, national, and international sporting events; and teen summits just to name a few. What makes this program unique? Oxnard families can become members and receive all the benefits of the programs at no cost to the participants, for 25 years PAL membership is completely free no matter the economic background of the family.
“FBI studies found that the hours following school dismissal while parents are at work are when American youth are most likely to be victimized by or commit serious criminal acts.” said Scott Whitney, Oxnard Chief of Police. “What Oxnard PAL does is provide a safe place for youth to go and participate in positive activities. The success of the program in our community is one that we all celebrate.”
To celebrate this occasion, the Oxnard Police Activities League, Inc., the nonprofit fundraising board, is hosting the 12th Annual Dinner Auction and 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Oxnard PAL Gymnasium. This year’s event is being held Saturday, March 23, 2019, and will recognize the PAL Youth of the Year, Outstanding Officer, Special Populations Outstanding Volunteer, and honor some of the programs outstanding partners. The Oxnard PAL non profit board raises funds to support the programs directly resulting in 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit the youth.
“The City of Oxnard’s PAL program has been committed to serving youth now for 25 years” said Timothy Flynn, Oxnard’s Mayor. “We were excited for the expansion of a second PAL center and look forward to the continued dedication of both our recreation staff and police officers to the PAL program.”
For information on how to support the Oxnard PAL Auction and Anniversary Celebration or to purchase tickets please contact the Oxnard PAL office at 805-385-8230 or by visiting https://oxnardpoliceactivitiesleague.salsalabs.org/donationformsalsa/index.html
Oxnard PAL’s event website: https://www.oxnardpal.org