RANGER PROGRAM HISTORY
Since 1996, the Police Athletic League of North Little Rock, has combined efforts with Ocean Extreme Dive and Travel Center, Inc., and several other entities to provide an ongoing hands-on environmental educational program for youth at numerous public housing complexes and other areas of the city of North Little Rock. In the year 2000 the Ranger program spread into the North Little Rock Public School District with a school violence prevention program. This program was designed for police officers to work directly with the Rangers and closely monitor grades, conduct and home life. The officers work directly with school officials and educators concerning school participation, truancy, and overall conduct. The officers also keep in contact with the Juvenile Justice System to maintain a working relationship in the corrections areas. PAL and the North Little Rock Police Department keep a constant watch over this program and provide vital information to focus on the children who need the most attention in these areas.
The PAL Ranger program is a combination of programs that are designed to educate children in the inner city, housing areas, and other areas of the city about the environment, to combine cultures and influence cultural awareness, to build character and self-esteem, and provide a lasting mentor program with the local police department personnel and youth.