The Police Athletic League started in 1910 when Lt. Ed Flynn of the New York City Police Department had the insight to offer inner-city youth positive activities involving police officers.  This involvement by officers at places of play helped to create a new perspective of the police by children.  Today PAL serves more than one and a half million youth.  The organization has over 300 chapters serving over 700 cities.

 
Oklahoma City PAL

The Oklahoma City Police Athletic League was formed in 1991 by Chief David McBride through a resolution approved by City Council.  The official date of certification from National PAL was March 11, 1991.  The non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation was formed on December 7, 1991.  PAL has operated through the  Police Community Relations Unit since its inception.  The first program offered was boxing which began with 40 participants.  Basketball was soon added.  Today, PAL has evolved and grown and now offers several athletic and educational programs to thousands of children every year.