About Gulfport PAL

Gulfport PAL is a youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth. It is based on the conviction that young people - if they are reached early enough - can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship.

The Gulfport PAL program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of a law enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer in the local community and reinforces responsible values and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents.

Studies have shown that if a young person respects a police officer on the ball field, gym or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and the business community.

What is Gulfport PAL?

The Gulfport Police Activities League (PAL) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization founded over 5 years ago by a group of police officers, spearheaded by a Gulfport Police Department School Resource Officer.
Gulfport PAL now sponsors many different types of boys & girls youth sporting events, and other enriching youth activities that are conducted in a safe, supervised environment. Gulfport PAL events are held at various locations throughout the City giving youth the opportunity to visit new places and broaden their horizons.
Thanks to the hard work and efforts of numerous individuals coming together to focus on engaging the youth of Gulfport, the organization now includes over 1000 children participating in Youth Activities throughout the City of Gulfport.
From its humble beginnings, Gulfport PAL has grown into an organization that makes a positive difference in the youth of Gulfport and strives to continue making a strong contribution in reducing juvenile crime and creating a safer environment within the City of Gulfport.

What is Gulfport PAL’s Mission?

Gulfport PAL’s mission is to effect a substantial reduction of juvenile crime in Gulfport through proactive community policing.

MISSION STATEMENT
To make a positive difference in the lives of young people by providing opportunities to learn discipline, leadership, teamwork, the importance of learning the rules, sportsmanship and patience. By teaching these life skills, PAL will assist in developing the children of our City in becoming productive citizens that contribute to the overall quality of life in the City of Gulfport.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
5001 Old Pass Rd
Ph: (228) 868-5814
Cell: (228) 236-6842

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

David Shoemake- President,
Alfred Sexton- Vice President
Merlissia Lewis- Treasurer,
Sara Lizana-Secretary

Board Members-
Mercedes Caranza, Dr. Laretta Marks, Dr. Wanda Bradley, Walter Dukes esq., Peggy Spraybery, Deputy Chief Leonard Papania, Lauren Clark


	About Gulfport PAL Gulfport PAL is a youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth. It is based on the conviction that young people - if they are reached early enough - can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship. The Gulfport PAL program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of a law enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer in the local community and reinforces responsible values and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents. Studies have shown that if a young person respects a police officer on the ball field, gym or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and the business community. What is Gulfport PAL? The Gulfport Police Activities League (PAL) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization founded over 5 years ago by a group of police officers, spearheaded by a Gulfport Police Department School Resource Officer. Gulfport PAL now sponsors many different types of boys & girls youth sporting events, and other enriching youth activities that are conducted in a safe, supervised environment. Gulfport PAL events are held at various locations throughout the City giving youth the opportunity to visit new places and broaden their horizons. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of numerous individuals coming together to focus on engaging the youth of Gulfport, the organization now includes over 1000 children participating in Youth Activities throughout the City of Gulfport. From its humble beginnings, Gulfport PAL has grown into an organization that makes a positive difference in the youth of Gulfport and strives to continue making a strong contribution in reducing juvenile crime and creating a safer environment within the City of Gulfport. What is Gulfport PAL’s Mission? Gulfport PAL’s mission is to effect a substantial reduction of juvenile crime in Gulfport through proactive community policing. MISSION STATEMENT To make a positive difference in the lives of young people by providing opportunities to learn discipline, leadership, teamwork, the importance of learning the rules, sportsmanship and patience. By teaching these life skills, PAL will assist in developing the children of our City in becoming productive citizens that contribute to the overall quality of life in the City of Gulfport. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 5001 Old Pass Rd Ph: (228) 868-5814 Cell: (228) 236-6842 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: David Shoemake- President, Alfred Sexton- Vice President Merlissia Lewis- Treasurer, Sara Lizana-Secretary Board Members- Mercedes Caranza, Dr. Laretta Marks, Dr. Wanda Bradley, Walter Dukes esq., Peggy Spraybery, Deputy Chief Leonard Papania, Lauren Clark