Jacksonville Police Athletic League aims to prevent crime, gang activity

Summer efforts to prevent gang activity in Jacksonville are under way by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, two days after a suspected gang member was shot by a JSO officer.

Jacksonville’s Police Athletic League is trying to prevent at-risk kids from joining gangs and committing crimes.

The league kicked off its summer “Mobile PAL” initiative Saturday.

Through the program, officers spend time with at-risk kids to foster positive relationships.

Another goal of the program is to create opportunities for jobs and activities that will keep kids from joining gangs and committing crimes.

Isaiah Williams, 18, says gang culture is attractive to a lot of people at his high school.

“Fast money, the adrenaline, quick money, they don’t have no other option,” said Williams.

On Thursday, JSO officer Serge Paul shot 24-year old Keith Crowder during a traffic stop.

Police say Crowder is a known gang member. He’s currently in critical condition.

PAL officers say being a good influence while kids are young will help prevent this gang activity.

“We need to be more innovative and creative to get our kids excited,” said Lt. Lakesha Barton of PAL. “We want to not only divert them from getting into gangs, but we want to divert them from getting into any criminal activity.”

Saturday was one of six events Jacksonville’s Police Athletic League will hold throughout the summer.

Cox Media Group