THE NLRPAL

NLRPAL's mission is to help kids get on the right track in life and stay right. The feelings of belongingness and importance drive the participants to involve themselves in our programs. Our volunteers administer guidance, encouragement and inspiration to our participants. Keeping the children captivated in the sport is an utmost concern for our organization.



The North Little Rock Police Athletic League, after 7 years of operation, has transformed a community of troubled youth into responsible, motivated young adults. Rose City was once one of North Little Rock 's most elevated juvenile crime areas. In 1997 (a year before NLRPAL joined the community), police reports reveal 94 juvenile arrest records in Rose City alone. The children complained of nothing to do with their time. Criminal mischief ranged from curfew violations to premeditated batteries with knives. Arrest numbers climbed even higher during the scholastic summer break. Clearly, something had to change.



When the NLRPAL pledged to open and operate a facility geared to turn around the fate of Rose City youth, arrest numbers dropped dramatically. In NLRPAL's first year, the previous year's arrest figures divided to less than half. Forty-five arrests were made in 1998, then 1999 saw only 27 arrests for the entire year in Rose City . These numbers still hold true today; since NLRPAL's inception, arrest rates have not escalated above those witnessed before PAL came to the community. Along with this decline, the children underwent a noticeable change in attitude toward the police. Where once there brewed animosity and anger, grew respect and friendship.