The Albany Police Activities League (APAL) was established in 1997 by the Albany Police Department and community leaders to provide a common meeting place for police officers, community volunteers and the youth of the community in the areas of athletics, educational and recreational activities. APAL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, with all donations tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
The league's programs are as diverse as the youth who participate in them. Current offerings include wrestling and Aikido for boys and girls from 1st through 8th grades, and the Albany Police Youth Academy for youth from 14 to 17 years old. In the fall, APAL hosts a bicycle rodeo for the community youth, which focuses on safety skills. Each child receives a free helmet and is encouraged to complete a confidence course. This event is a partnership by APAL, the Albany Police Department, Albany Strollers and Rollers and the city.
APAL is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of community members and school district and city employees, and the chief of police serves as executive director. Funding comes from membership and program fees, donations and local grants. The Albany Police Department also allocates funds to the group.
For more information about current program offerings, visit the APAL website.