Nassau officials announce new Police Activity League in Lawrence

Seized criminal assets have been utilized to help youth in Nassau's County's Five Towns stay healthy and out of trouble.

Nassau officials Wednesday announced the creation of the Lawrence Police Activity League program, which was financed through $25,000 in asset forfeiture funds.

"So many good stories come out of PAL, even if kids don't grow up to be a jock," County Executive Laura Curran said at a news conference at the Five Towns Community Center, which will host the new program. "They're playing chess. They're being engaged in something. They're structured time in a very positive environment."

Even more important, Curran said, the PAL helps to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the community.

"Trust is what we want to do," she said. "Continuing to build trust between communities and police is really such a core part of our mission."

Since its formation as the Police Boys Club in 1940, the Nassau County Police Activity League's mission has been to "prevent juvenile delinquency and aid in the development of good citizenship through positive interaction of youths and police officers," the group said on its official web page.

The organization now has 29 units serving more than 40 communities across the county, with officers who oversee the units and interact with youths through sports, crafts, educational and other activities.

"It's about the kids," said Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. "It's about what we can do to build that foundation … We are going to continue to do our part. We ask the community to support it and we'll get it all done and keep those kids safe and out of trouble."

With John Valenti and James Carbone

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.