Police Athletic Leagues

Abstract

Police athletic leagues or police activities leagues were developed by community and police organizations in an attempt to provide at‐risk youth with positive recreational and educational activities. The leagues were created in the hope that they would be able to ensure that youth facing opportunities for involvement in criminal or delinquent activities would instead chose to engage in more positive and wholesome activities. In doing so, it was thought that the leagues would not only help provide youth with positive life skills, but also help dissuade them from an increased likelihood of criminal propensity. Over time, the types of activities offered by the leagues have changed and evolved to become much more diverse, extending initially from sports primarily to include educational and social activities.