1. I don't know a lot about PAL, how do I get started?

    National PAL offers a complete packet of information regarding the implementation of a PAL chapter.  The packet includes a ten step process that you can follow that will help you with the set up process, as well as the history of PAL and the benefits of membership with National PAL.

2. I work for a small police department with a limited budget and resources, would it still be feasible for
    us to start a PAL chapter?

    Yes, the unique thing about PAL is that you can start a program as small or as big as you want.  First, you must assess all your resources outside and inside the police department, and then determine the size of the program and what activities you should offer.  Getting other officers to volunteer as coaches and mentors is of great benefit.

3. Where do we get the money and how much money do we need to start the program?

    Funding the program sometimes is the biggest challenge.  This is the time to tap into all your local resources.  Contact local banks, corporations, restaurants, etc., and ask them to provide a donation to your program.  You may want to ask an accountant to do the books for the program or an attorney to do the 501c incorporations papers.  Most of the time you can get someone to do this work pro-bono.  Reaching out to your community and taking advanteage of all the available resources is key to minimizing your expenses.  This is also determined by how many kids you plan to have in the program, the activities and programs you will offer, cost of insurance, uniforms if necessary, as well as any other expenses associated with that sport or activity.

4. How do I get community and volunteer support for the program?

    A key to getting community support for your program is to involve your local media.  Your local television station, radio stations, and your local newspaper.  Let them know what you are doing, the positive effects the program will have, and why it is important.  Invite them to the events and ask them to do a feature article or television clip on your program.  Once the word gets our regarding the great effects of PAL, the community support will come easy.  Advertising the program will also help you get volunteers to help you run the program.

5. Once we decide to start a PAL program, where do I get the kids?

    First you must determine what area in your community you want to reach.  Once you do that, go to the local schools, ask them to help you promote the program to the kids and parents.  You can also advertise the program throughout your community through other civic group organizations.

6. What age group of kids should we target?

    PAL primarily serves kids ages 6 to 18.  While starting with any age group is fine, we recommend that you start with the younger kids first.  Often times kids that are entering their teens are more difficult to reach because they have already established patterns of behavior, while younger kids can be guided a little easier.

7. Do we need our own PAL building to conduct the sports and activities we will offer?

    No, in fact most new PAL chapters do not have a building of their own.  That is something that usually comes later.  Most PAL's start off by using a local community school, civic building, or church auditorium.  Many police departmetns partner up with their local recreation center or school and work hand in hand to make it happen.

8. What programs and activities should we offer when we start the program?

    A PAL program should encompass these few areas:
    The program should include activities that will appeal to the children of your community and centered around the resources available.

9. What type of insurance will we need for our PAL?

    Liability Insurace: Well of course, Liability is a must.  You don't want to get caught without coverage in the event of a lawsuit.  You can purchase at a very affordable cost, $1,000,000 in coverage through National PAL's policy.  This policy extends coverage to all the PAL kids, coaches, volunteers, police officers, and anyone directly associated with the program.

    Accident/Medical Insurance: It would be good to also have Accident/Medical coverage for the kids in acse one of them gets injured while participating in a PAL event.  You can purchase an inexpensive $25,000 per participant secondary policy through National PAL.  This policy is primarily designed for the kids in PAL.  However, if an accident occurs and a claim is submitted, coverage may be extended to the adults in the program on a case by case basis.

    Directors and Officers Insurance: Directors and Officers Insurance has become increasingly popular the last couple of years.  You can purchase a $1,000,000 policy that will protect the directors, officers, trustees, employees, and volunteers of your chapter against alleged claims of wrongful acts or decisions.

10. What makes PAL different from all other juvenile programs?

    "Cops and Kids" working and playing together is what PAL is all about.  If a child learns to respect a police officer as their mentor or friend on the playing field, chances are they will also respect that officer on the streets.