Building Bridges: PAL Program Connects Youth with Law Enforcement in Warren County

In Warren County, a growing initiative is helping shape the next generation by connecting kids with local deputies — not during emergencies, but through sports, crafts, and community service.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its Police Athletic League (PAL) program, which aims to build positive relationships between law enforcement officers and youth through engaging, team-based activities.

“We’re trying to connect with these kids early, before the world teaches them anything different about us,” said Captain Frank Myrtle. “If their first experience with law enforcement is through a water balloon toss or a pumpkin painting party, that stays with them.”

What is PAL?

PAL is a national initiative, but the local program is tailored to the needs of Warren County. Krista Beahm, the Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office, plays a key role in making sure those connections are meaningful.

“The PAL program isn’t just about playtime,” Beahm explained. “It’s about showing kids that deputies are real people who care about them. It teaches them that following the law is important, but also that officers are here to guide and support them.”

The program currently focuses on children up to age 12, with plans to grow as participants age into the Sheriff’s Office’s Explorer Program for teens. PAL activities are designed to reach youth at an age when positive role models have the most impact.

“This is the right age,” Myrtle said. “You can really influence character and trust when they’re young.”

Low Cost, Big Impact

Joining the PAL program used to require a $75 registration fee, but that cost has been waived to encourage more families to sign up. After the first year, there’s just a $50 annual renewal fee. The program is supported in part by donations and local partnerships.

“We don’t want the cost to keep any child out of PAL,” said Beahm. “We’ve even been lucky to partner with great local organizations like Reaching Out Now, the Student Union Center, and Parks and Rec to help with space, supplies, and planning.”

While the Sheriff’s Office has some internal funding and volunteer support, it is also seeking community help through donations of supplies such as sports equipment, art materials, and snacks.

What’s Happening Now

Activities take place about twice a month and are designed to be fun, educational, and engaging. A recent open gym day drew kids to the Health and Human Services building for basketball, dodgeball, and more, while deputies and 911 communications staff joined in on the action.

“We actually learned some new basketball moves from the kids that day,” Beahm laughed.

Other recent events have included trash pickups along the Greenway — where kids collected eight full bags — and community service projects like collecting supplies for local shelters. Future activities include pumpkin painting, leaf crafts, and making Valentine’s cards for seniors.

One of the major upcoming events is the Junior Deputy Camp, set for early April. This two-day program is specifically designed for children ages 9 to 12 and will include demonstrations from the investigations team, the tactical team, and animal control, along with lessons about 911 and even an obstacle course focused on fitness and teamwork.

More Than Fun and Games

For the officers involved, the program is as meaningful as it is enjoyable.

“Last year, we ended a camp by smashing pies in each other’s faces. The kids loved it,” Myrtle recalled. “They saw us laugh, run around, and be silly. That kind of moment helps build a bond that lasts.”

He added that kids also learn structure and respect during these camps. “It’s not a free-for-all. There are rules. But we let our guard down too, so they can see the human side of law enforcement.”

The PAL initiative is part of a broader effort by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to engage more with the community. “We want people to feel like they can talk to us — not just during a traffic stop or emergency,” Myrtle said.

Explorer Program and Beyond

For older kids, the Sheriff’s Office is also ramping up its Explorer Program, which offers teenagers interested in law enforcement a chance to participate in community events, assist with traffic control, and ride along with deputies. The goal is to guide them toward future careers in law enforcement or public service.

“We’ve got kids who are going to become lawyers, dispatchers, or deputies. This is a stepping stone,” said Myrtle. “And it’s good for our current staff too. These Explorers can help out and take some of the smaller duties off our plates, which lets us focus on larger issues.”

How to Get Involved

Families who are interested in the PAL program can stop by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, visit the department’s social media pages, or reach out directly to Krista Beahm for an application.

There are also supply donation boxes set up at three locations: the Sheriff’s Office, the Student Union Center, and the Community Center. These boxes contain lists of needed items like games, arts and crafts materials, and gently used sports gear.

While PAL doesn’t currently accept outside volunteers due to safety screening requirements, Beahm said there are still plenty of ways to help.

“If you’ve got a great idea for a youth event, or extra supplies collecting dust, let us know. It all makes a difference.”

A Community Effort

With so many local groups already involved, the Sheriff’s Office is focused on collaboration rather than competition.

“We’re all trying to help the same kids,” Beahm said. “Why not work together?”

The Warren County PAL program is proving that with the right partnerships, a little creativity, and a lot of heart, law enforcement can be a powerful, positive influence in the lives of young people.

As Myrtle summed it up, “These little things — these moments — really do shape our community for the better.”