POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE
A person’s identity is shaped by many different aspects. Family, culture, friends, personal interests and surrounding environments are all factors that help shape a person’s identity. Growing up, I did not realize that I was poor. Young kids really don’t pay attention to material possessions or status in society. The only thing that matters is the level of respect you exhibit towards others. As youth continue maturing, they start searching for an identity and acceptance from others. Due to my family’s financial instability, they invested minimal time preparing me for the future. The standards were low. If I did not get into legal trouble, my parents were happy. The adolescent years of individuals are monumental for the creating a foundation of success. I lacked a role model that challenged me to do better. No one set any expectations for me to follow.
My perspective on leadership changed when I learned about the Police Activities League (PAL). The middle school I attended was promoting the PAL program in north Phoenix. I walked to the program on my own without my parent’s permission. I learned about the benefits and was encouraged to be part of a team. I had a strong desire to join but the $1 per month membership was too much for my parents and I did not have reliable transportation. My determination motivated me to find a way to overcome distractions and join PAL. Through this experience, I met an exceptional woman that ignited my passion for life. Karen Parks was the police officer in charge of the PAL center and she was a strong and an intelligent leader. She constantly challenged my behaviors and exposed me to new opportunities. Nothing was ever given, everything was earned. Before PAL, travel and activities were only with my family. PAL helped me experience activities that have never been available to me before. Various activities included; great skate, movies, baseball games, water parks, conferences, wrestling camps, character training, and theme parks. My PAL officer chose my brother and me to go to Disneyland as part of the program. This trip was vital to my development because I had never been outside Arizona. The PAL program exposed me to a new world and established strong personal morals as a teen.
As a young adult, I bounced around from various jobs until I found some stability in the landscaping business. I excelled in this job and made enough to provide for my family. However, I still felt I wasn’t contributing to the betterment of the community. My passion is helping those in need. I decided to go back to college and took criminal justice courses. I took the entrance exam for the Police academy and passed! It was an incredible moment and allowed me to challenge myself both physically and mentally. I graduated and became an official Phoenix police officer in the summer of 2007. I was very proud of myself and wore the uniform with honor. My initial responsibility was patrolling the neighborhoods of Maryvale. I endured multiple sleepless nights while attempting to balance career and my responsibilities at home. The patrol position requires a high level of commitment with constant stress. Nine years after success in patrol, there was an advertisement to work the PAL program in Phoenix. I reached out to my mentor, Karen Parks, and informed her of my inquiry. I met with the supervisor of the program who learned more about my story. A few weeks later, I was accepted and transitioned into my new role. This was a crucial moment for the development of my career.
As a patrol officer, I experienced the negative perspective of the community. As a PAL officer, I’ve had the ability to be part of the positive change of our youth and families. PAL consists of eight officers who work all parts of the city. We have been successful in mentoring thousands of teens through multiple events and activities. Programs include; Police and Teen Forum, Community Barbershop, Phoenix Police Experience, Water Parks, Castles & Coaster, Handball Tournaments, Local Hiking, Teen Basketball Nights, Early Childhood Development, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, AZ On The Rocks and Chess Tournaments. PAL takes every opportunity to promote healthy living and positive character for our communities.
Partnering with local leaders has enabled us to truly connect with our audience. An activity that is hard to measure is the amount of time spent on building relationships with youth. The simplicity of being around teens, allows them to see police officers in a different light. Playing a simple game of chess provides a platform to have a conversation with a trusting adult. Our hope is that the teen’s perspective would change if they encounter a positive experience with a police officer. The mission of our program is to unite law enforcement and communities by providing youth programs which develop discipline and mutual respect. The future of our community depends on the lessons we provide to our youth. The teens of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. I am proud that I am on the positive side of change for the future.
