Police Department

Community Outreach

Spokane Police Department is committed to continual quality engagement with the community at every level of our department. The department has one Community Outreach Officer and she is assigned to the Volunteer Services Unit. Our Community Outreach employs long-term strategies at a deeper level of community engagement and outreach, helping to maintain our relationships with partner organizations. The Community Outreach Officer engages in ongoing conversations with community leaders across a wide spectrum of interests and attends a multitude of meetings and events. If you would like to request Spokane Police Officers at your event, please contact SPDCommunityOutreach@spokanepolice.org.

SPD Youth Outreach Programs

Police Activities League (PAL)

The Police Activities League (PAL) is an outreach program created in 2013 to help build trusting relationships between youth and local law enforcement. Each summer, the PAL program offers fun, structured activities for youth, with opportunities to make friends and memories at their local parks. PAL engages youth with positive academic and athletic programs, such as yard games, basketball, running clinic, flag football, soccer and martial arts & mindfulness. For children who are individually registered and not attending through a youth center program, lunch is provided at every session. Throughout the season, youth participants focus on five core values: honesty, integrity, leadership, sportsmanship and respect. PAL program takes a holistic approach to crime prevention, focusing on reducing drug and gang involvement, as well as making positive decisions. PAL is a collaborative program of the Spokane Police Department, Spokane Parks Department, YMCA, local community centers, and many other organizations working together to supply a myriad of resources in a central location. Support from the Spokane Parks Foundation and Numerica Credit Union have been instrumental in PAL’s success. The age for PAL youth is 8 to 14 years old. For exceptions, please email SPDCommunityOutreach@spokanepolice.org.

PAL 2024 has concluded. PAL usually runs between July and August. Please check back in 2025 for information on PAL 2025. For general information about PAL 2024, view the 2024 PAL flyer.

Outreach with Local Schools

The Youth & Police Initiative (YPI) is a prevention program for at-risk high school and middle school youth, designed to meet them where they are and help them prepare for their future. YPI curriculum involves an honest discussion about peer pressure and positive decision-making relating to school, gangs, and drugs. Police officers lead the YPI program, building trust and rapport with students through dialogue, role-play and sharing perspectives. As teens and officers share life experiences, goals and dreams, communication increases and stereotypes decrease. The genuine sharing experience promotes sustainable relationships between police and youth.

In addition to a formal YPI program, the Spokane Police Department’s Community Outreach conducts educational programs in our local schools to include drug and alcohol prevention and intervention, internet safety and family safety plans.

For more information, please contact SPDCommunityOutreach@spokanepolice.org.