INDY
PAL
Indy PAL is a vital program that ensures youth have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential, regardless of place, race, or identity—designed to address the significant challenges in the relationship between law enforcement and communities, particularly communities of color.
Led by the Indy Public Safety Foundation in partnership with IMPD's Community Engagement & Outreach Bureau, Indy PAL provides inclusive, engaging programming and opportunities for all youth to reach their potential. Indy PAL has been fostering positive relationships with youth and police for more than 80 years in Indy.
The Indy PAL model uses athletics and activities to recruit, engage, and build relationships with youth and families. Participation in sports is the keystone of the program and serves two vital purposes: building relationships between youth and police and teaching vital life skills associated with team-based activities.
HOW INDY PAL CAN HELP.
Building Trust, Reducing Risk
Indy PAL creates positive interactions and dialogue between youth and police officers, fostering trust and understanding. This can significantly reduce the chances of future involvement with the criminal justice system.
Keeping Streets Safe, Futures Bright
By providing engaging activities and mentorship opportunities, Indy PAL keeps youth off the streets and away from risky behaviors. This allows them to focus on their goals and build positive paths for their future.
Unlocking Potential
Indy PAL supports youth in their educational endeavors, offering tutoring, academic resources, and guidance. We understand that education is key to success and unlocking their full potential.
Inspiring Change
Every child deserves to feel valued and supported. The Indy PAL mentoring program focuses on middle and high school youth and is designed to encourage positive thinking, promote higher education, establish an appreciation for diversity, and reinforce good citizenship.
A Network of Support
Indy PAL connects youth with a network of caring adults, including coaches, mentors, and community members. This network provides encouragement, guidance, and support, helping them navigate life's challenges and make positive choices.
Positive Impact
By building relationships and providing opportunities, Indy PAL empowers young people to make positive changes in their lives and communities. Together, we can create a brighter future for Indianapolis, one youth at a time.
COMING SOON
Girls Basketball
COMING SOON
Baseball
Volleyball
COMING SOON
Summer Art Program
HOW TO GET HELP.
Is your kid a PAL kid? Get involved or sign up to volunteer your time.
Call at 317-327-3187 or drop us an email at indypal@indypsf.org.
1,155
Youth Served
in 2025
40K+
Total Youth Served
1.4K+
Officers Participating
EVERYONE NEEDS A PAL.
The mission of Indy PAL is to provide youth in Indianapolis with the opportunity to participate in athletics, mentoring, and educational and cultural activities that will reduce crime, provide vital life skills, increase self-esteem, and promote a positive relationship with police. Indy PAL has served and mentored nearly 40,000 of Marion County’s under-appreciated youth population in its history.
Coach or Mentor
Becoming an Indy PAL coach or mentor is a rewarding way to impact the lives of young people directly. You'll provide them with support, guidance, and encouragement, helping them reach their full potential and build a brighter future.
Corporate Support
Partner with us to sponsor programs, events, or initiatives, aligning your company values with our mission of empowering youth. We also welcome in-kind donations of items like sports equipment, school supplies, and technology devices.
Donate Resources
Your financial donation allows us to provide essential resources like mentorship opportunities, sports equipment, and safe spaces for activities, equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed in school, develop healthy habits, and stay on the right track.
1940
FROM THE BEGINNING
Inspired by a visit to Denver's Police Athletic League program, Indy Parks Director J.R. Townsend and Chief of Police Michael F. Morrissey establish the Indianapolis Police Athletic League (Indy PAL) with a mission to build positive relationships between at-risk youth and police officers through athletics and activities.
Officer Forest Higgs selects Rhodius Park as the location for the first PAL Club. He starts by playing baseball with the neighborhood children, demonstrating a friendly and approachable presence.
1952
EARLY YEARS
To ensure program growth and better coordinate with the community, Indy PAL clubs move from the supervision of the Juvenile Aid Division to Lt. Casper 'Cap' Kleifgen.
Lt. Kleifgen establishes partnerships with the Park Department, the American Legion Junior Baseball League, and other organizations, expanding the program's reach and resources.
1973
RECOGNIZING A NEED
Indy PAL clubs transition from parks to subsidized housing locations to serve a broader range of youth, aiming to reach underserved communities where access to safe activities and positive role models might be limited. This shift ensures that Indy PAL's positive impact extends beyond traditionally served areas.
The National Associations of Police Athletic Leagues is formed, providing national oversight and support for local chapters, including Indy PAL. This collaboration allows for the sharing of best practices and resources, strengthening the overall impact of PAL programs across the country.
1975
NOT JUST FOR THE BOYS
Although the PAL program was originally designed for
policemen and boys, policewomen had been active in PAL clubs since the 1950s.
In recognition of the need for inclusivity, Policewoman Judy Callahan is assigned to organize girls' activities. This expansion broadens Indy PAL's offerings beyond traditional athletics, ensuring that girls have equal access to the program's benefits and fostering a more inclusive environment. These activities consisted of softball,
camping, swimming, volleyball, arts & crafts, and track and field events.
1980-2000
GROWTH & ADAPTATION
Indy PAL continues to operate with varying levels of support and engagement, navigating the community's ever-changing needs. The program model expands to include "athletics and activities" to encompass a wider range of interests and cater to diverse preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Indy PAL partners with Indy Parks and IMPD to operate out of the JTV Hill Center, providing a dedicated space for program activities and fostering collaboration with other community organizations.
2019
NEW CHAPTER
To address program growth challenges, Indy PAL is taken under the administrative oversight of the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF). Recognizing the program's vital role in the community, IPSF invests over $1 million, including funding the hiring of the program's first Director in over 20 years and constructing two new outdoor basketball courts at the JTV Hill Center. These investments demonstrate IPSF's commitment to strengthening and revitalizing Indy PAL.
PRESENT
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Indy PAL remains a member chapter of the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League (National PAL), collaborating with other chapters to share best practices and resources.
The program offers various initiatives such as the Juvenile Justice Jeopardy game and the G.R.E.A.T. program, aiming to educate and empower youth by fostering positive interactions with law enforcement, promoting responsible decision-making, and providing opportunities for personal growth.
