By Billy Todd

Staff Writer

WARSAW — The youth of Warsaw, ages 5 to 18, may have another avenue of wholesome activity if the Police Athletic/Activities League comes to fruition.

Warsaw’s town board approved the first step in bringing the PAL program to the town by agreeing to pay the $400 registration fee to organize a local chapter. The request came from police Chief Michael Webster and Robert O. Moore, who is spearheading the efforts to see that more is done for the community’s youth.

“I have seen what athletics and having activities for young people can do,” Moore told the board. “ It will help keep them off the streets and give them something positive to do while assisting in lowering the crime rate and other unsuitable activities that can occur when they do not have activities that are fun, safe and can produce life skills.”

Moore is a teacher at Wallace-Rose Hill High School and has served as a coach for many years. He grew up in Warsaw and came through the old recreation program that existed when he was younger.

The PAL program is a national youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth. Moore shared information on the program that explained it is based on the conviction that young people — if they are reached early enough — can develop strong, positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life and toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship.

Webster shared that since he had come to Warsaw as chief, he had been looking at various programs that would help find positive activities for which the youth could become involved. “Hopefully this program will assist us especially during the summer when the young people are out of school. I have some knowledge of the PAL’s program as it was in some of the other places where I have worked.” The chief also stated that he fully supports the program and appreciates Moore bringing it to his attention.

Moore explained that not only would activities, such as football, basketball and baseball/softball, be offered, but because the program is a national one, other sports like tennis and soccer will also be available.

“Because this program is an established national program that has shown a high level of success across the country, it can provide more than what we can do ourselves. As a crime prevention program with a non-profit status, funding is available from a variety of resources that can help us provide for our young people.”

The process to establish a chapter first involves the town board adopting the program and giving the chief the approval to initiate it. This action was accomplished at the town commissioners meeting Monday night.

The next step will involve the organizational aspect of the chapter, such as naming a board of directors. The police chief, a media representative, business men and women, corporate leaders, an accountant, lawyer, insurance representative, school personnel, parents, clergy and service club representatives should be involved in the board. An executive director, the position Moore has been filling in getting the chapter up and running, will be responsible for managing the program. Articles of Incorporation and developing non-profit status is another part of the initial development of the chapter.

“This is a big undertaking, but if we can get the support from this board, the parents and the community, I know that the people of Warsaw will make it work. Everyone here wants to see positive things happen for our youth. This is just one way we can do that,” ended Moore.

Webster concluded by saying, “Many people have given lip service to doing something for our young people. Now it is time for them to take action and get something really positive accomplished.”

The commissioners approval of PAL allows the police chief and Moore to being preparing the necessary documentation and requirements to get the program in place much quicker than if they had delayed action.

Mayor Win Batten stated that he felt this was a positive direction for the town to move in trying to serve the youth of Warsaw.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.