JACKSON — The Jackson Police Department is preparing for another season of its Police Athletic League, a youth basketball program built on mentorship, discipline and relationships between officers and young people.
Tryouts have been announced for the upcoming PAL season, a program that goes beyond athletics to focus on leadership skills, life lessons and positive engagement with law enforcement. The league’s goal is to reduce juvenile crime and violence by creating consistent, constructive interaction between officers and youth through sports and physical activity.
PAL was introduced to the Jackson Police Department in 2006 by Then-Assistant Police Chief Joseph Wade, who said he launched the program after recognizing a gap in opportunities for young people in the city.
“I started this program back in 2006 because I felt there was a need,” Wade said in 2022. “I wanted to break the cycle. I wanted to build a relationship with the kids, the youth here, within the city of Jackson.”
Organizers say basketball became the bridge that made those relationships possible.
The Police Athletic League pairs officers with youth as volunteer coaches, allowing law enforcement to interact with children outside of enforcement situations. Officers involved in the program say those interactions help build trust while reinforcing values such as accountability, teamwork and respect.
“PAL’s goal is to reduce juvenile crime and violence by providing opportunities to law enforcement officers and youth to build positive connections through sports and other physical activities,” wrote JPD Facebook. “PAL has proven to be effective in forging outstanding relationships between police officers and community members.”
During games and practices, officers emphasize participation and encouragement, ensuring every child plays and feels supported. But organizers say winning games is not the program’s primary objective.
National research supports the program’s mission. According to the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League, children who engage with law enforcement in positive settings such as sports or classrooms are more likely to develop respect for the law and the officers who enforce it.
Community leaders have also voiced support for PAL, including Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, who has said mentorship programs like PAL can have a lasting impact.
“When you look at Jackson, Mississippi, all of us have come from rough backgrounds,” Stokes has said. “We all had somebody guide us, a coach, someone to give us love — and that’s why we give back to the children.”
Police officials say the department is looking forward to another season and encourages community support. Those interested in supporting or learning more about JPD’s PAL program can contact Capt. Christian Vance at 601-960-1378.
