Local History

Where It All Began

The Police Athletic League of Kansas City is a not-for-profit corporation that began as a community-oriented project in 1994 through the Westside CAN Center in Kansas City Police Department’s Central Patrol Division. In 1998, PAL obtained membership in the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues and incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization (PAL Inc.) with a board of directors and certification in the state of Missouri. As a not-for-profit corporation, all PAL activities are funded through private donations and grants. No PAL activities are funded by the department. Through an agreement with PAL Inc., the department has agreed to provide law enforcement personnel as staff, and office space only as available.

Gaining Momentum

The PAL Section was formed and centralized in April 2000 and is assigned under the Youth Services Unit with a staff of six – one sergeant and five officers. The first PAL Center opened in the Summer 2001 in an old KCMO Parks and Recreation Department center that closed in April 2000. Since reopening the Center, substantial renovations have been made, funded by private donations, grants and countless volunteer hours performed by the community and police officers.

Today

Today, five full time officers, two sergeants and a captain are dedicated to building lifelong relationships with encouragement and commitment to the children they serve every day. The three PAL Centers are a home away from home for youth in need of safe, supportive environments.

Police Athletic League relies on the generosity of our community to continue to break through barriers and offer youth a safe haven to play, learn and grow.

For more information or learn how you can get involved with PAL of Kansas City, email us or call (816) 241-6816.