MV PAL

PAL Programs

MVPAL introduces positive programs and outreach between Police and children in the community. What makes Mountain View so unique from a law enforcement standpoint is the recreation, education and other connections officers provide to the youth they serve. All these functions are not necessarily those that are required of a police department. But in Mountain View, these moments matter. With the potential for juvenile violence, gangs and other negative influences in the community, MVPAL programs provide a formal framework for developing positive relationships and fostering trust. In turn, MVPD is helping to reduce these negative impacts on both the children and the City.

The programs below build trust, positivity, help to bridge the gap and keep community members connected, together. This mutual understanding and respect between Police and kids performs a very important facet – notably those of crime prevention, protection of property and the preservation of a peaceful community.

Mountain View PAL is dependent on grants and donations for its success. PAL is not funded through the county or city budgets. We operate with the support of Mountain View Police Officers and staff who donate their time to continue the program.

Boxing

PAL Boxing is held year round with officers from MVPD and volunteers teaching, coaching and instructing students at practices. The boxing program consists of approximately forty middle school students who are selected by the Police Department. The program focuses on teaching discipline, leadership and teamwork through activities and team drills.

For many, learning the sport of boxing helps with social skills and cooperating with others. Students enjoy making new friends and the program helps them have a sense of belonging.

Because of its popularity and additional resources needed, there is a waiting list for students. The boxing program runs throughout the school year and is held twice a week on school nights. MVPAL Boxing looks forward to continuing its success and competitions in local tournaments.

ROAR

ROAR is in its 3^rd year (Graham Middle school only) and is already seeing huge returns for students ranging from 6th grade to 8th grade. The acronym (Respect, Ownership, Accountability and Responsibility) was selected by the students who participate in the program. This program expands mentoring to incorporate peer-to-peer advisers, allowing them to explore their own leadership abilities. Leaders are 8^th grade students who are trained by SROs about positive decision-making and are given guided lessons on what they or their peers might encounter in middle school. In turn, events are hosted by 8th graders and 6th graders are invited to join and feel connection and support. This program also helps SROs and school staff learn more about the students and identify those who might need extra mentorship and support

Mentoring Program

The mentoring program is a community-based program designed to improve the lives of youth through mentoring, programming and activities. The program focuses on at-risk elementary school children with the primary goal of keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble by building positive relationships with public safety personnel and fostering mutual trust.

Twenty students are selected by school officials and receive one-hour mentoring sessions throughout the school year. The mentoring sessions include; arts and crafts, sports, music, games, fun activities, holiday parties, and educational presentations from Police Department personnel. The program also includes a variety of field trips and occasionally extended field trips to Six Flags and Disneyland.

Each year, the mentoring students grow and benefit from this unique program. Students find self-confidence, self esteem, and are able to create big goals for themselves. Studies show that youth with mentors have higher rates of high school graduation and are less likely to drop out of school.

GalPAL

Recently, we launched Gal PAL, an innovative mentorship program that is led by the Youth Services Unit of the Mountain View Police Department to help teen girls overcome life challenges, support and encourage each other, learn essential life skills, plan for their futures, and ultimately empower them to succeed.

Currently serving 28 middle-school aged girls, the program has weekly sessions focus on building strong peer connections, staying out of trouble, exploring career and college opportunities, and fostering self-esteem—all through fun, interactive activities and mentorship. The program is so popular, there is now a wait list of teen girls eager to join.

Battle of the Belt

Flag football is back! The program, held at both Crittenden and Graham middle schools, features a double elimination game of flag football. Each school has eight teams of nine players. At the end of the elimination rounds, each champion team from each school plays for the “Big Game” to win a belt and take home bragging rights. Teamwork and positive reinforcement gives the students a space to play and have fun. 

Donate to PAL today! 

Let’s work together to improve the lives of our youth. Please help us continue to foster a relationship of trust with the kids in our community.

Mountain View Police Activities League’s (MVPAL) mission is to foster mutual understanding between youth and police officers through a non-confrontational setting and, in this way, divert them away from gangs and criminal activity. To accomplish this goal, MVPAL offers a wide variety of recreational and leadership opportunities to kids between the ages of 5 and 18.

Providing recreation, education and other activities is not necessarily a function of a police department. However, with juvenile violence, gangs and other negative influences in the community, MVPAL introduces structured Police to youth outreach programs.

This mutual understanding and respect between Police and youth performs an especially important facet – notably those of crime prevention, protection of property and the preservation of a peaceful community.

MVPSF supports the PAL program and support positive interactions and outreach between youth and police officers. Through partnerships with MVPD and the dedication of MVPD’s Youth Services Unit, this amazing program is possible. As we work together to improve the lives of our youth, please help us by considering donating to PAL today. Building trust, positivity, bridging the gap, and keeping communities connected, together.