Youth Programs

The Pasadena Police Department is dedicated to promoting and ensuring the safety, education, and welfare of all young people throughout the City of Pasadena. We are committed to several youth programs that encourage young people to avoid drugs, gangs, and to stay in school. Please click on the tab to learn more about the programs we offer.

If you would like to speak to someone regarding these programs, please call the Program Coordinator
Ena Kessler at (626) 744-4551 or email ekessler@cityofpasadena.net

Police Activities League (P.A.L.)

Pasadena Police Activities League (P.A.L.)

The Pasadena Police Activities League (P.A.L.) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting and empowering youth throughout the Pasadena community.

P.A.L. believes every young person is an asset to our community and represents the future of Pasadena. Through positive programs and activities, P.A.L. provides safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities that help youth grow academically, socially, and personally. Families and community members can learn more about enrollment or support P.A.L. programs through donations and community involvement.

Program Overview

The Pasadena Police Department’s Police Activities League provides a safe and welcoming environment for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout Pasadena. During the school year, transportation is provided from select school campuses to the P.A.L. Center, ensuring accessibility for participating students.
Since its inception, Pasadena P.A.L. has served more than 3,000 youth through engaging and educational programming, including:

Arts and crafts
Culinary arts programs
Field trips and cultural enrichment experiences
Tutoring and academic support
Leadership and personal development activities

School Year Program

During the academic year, P.A.L. programming focuses on promoting educational success and personal growth. Each participant is paired with a Youth Advisor who provides mentorship, monitors academic progress, and supports students throughout the school year.
Through tutoring, mentoring, and school engagement, the program encourages students to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher while building positive study habits and life skills.

Summer Program

P.A.L. also offers a full summer program designed to keep youth active, engaged, and learning while school is out of session. Activities include swimming, beach trips, field excursions, and exposure to cultural and recreational experiences.

Participants may also take part in classes and activities such as:

Art and creative projects
Cooking classes
Soccer and recreational sports
Craft-making activities
Zumba and fitness programs

Age-appropriate boys and girls discussion groups are also offered to provide supportive spaces to discuss topics relevant to youth development.

Enrollment Information

Youth between the ages of 9 and 17 interested in joining Pasadena P.A.L. can visit the P.A.L. Center at:

Jefferson Campus
1500 E. Villa Street, Pasadena

Hours of operation:
Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.pasadenapal.com or contact the P.A.L. Center at (626) 356-9166.

Kid's Safety Academy (K.S.A.)

Pasadena Kid's Safety Academy

The Pasadena Kids Safety Academy Teaches Emergency Preparedness and Stranger Danger

Do your children know how to respond during an emergency or what to do when confronted by a stranger? If you are unsure about your answers to these questions, then you might consider enrolling your child in the Pasadena Kids Safety Academy. The Kids Safety Academy is offered 3 times a year and is a 7-week program for youth ages 6 to 12 and their parents or guardian. The program is taught by the Pasadena Police Department, the Pasadena Fire Department, and other City Departments and it is sponsored by the Pasadena Police Foundation.

During the program, attendees will meet at various locations in Pasadena for seven (7) consecutive Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Classes cover a wide variety of subjects:

Stranger danger and park safety
Fire safety and disaster preparedness
Environmental stewardship and recycling
Bike rules and safe practices
The 9-1-1 phone system
Community leadership
Water skills and safety
Proper diet and nutrition

Space is limited to 30 children and their parents. Scheduling and reservation information can be obtained by calling 626-744-4551. Please take a look at our event calendar for dates.

Explorer Program

Pasadena Police Explorer Program

The Pasadena Police Explorer program is designed for individuals who are between the ages of 14 and 18 years but can remain in the program until their 21st birthday. It is a program for young people who want to explore a possible career in law enforcement, develop a spirit of competition, and want to become a leader in their community. In addition, the program is designed to build character and self-esteem. You are not required to become a police officer to be in this program but participation in the program will open various career opportunities in the law enforcement field.

As a member of the explorer program, you will be required to attend an approved Explorer academy. In the academy, you will learn duties about the various positions available to start a career in law enforcement as well as learning about the responsibilities that come with the job. This will be done through classroom lectures, physical training and through practical application using various scenarios. In addition, this program can also provide some basic information and prepare those interested in enlisting in the military. You will learn how police officers respond and handle various situations through practical police scenarios and be tested on a weekly basis. The academy is both physically and mentally challenging and requires a lot of dedication.
Upon graduation, you earn the right to wear the blue uniform and become eligible to participate in explorer competitions, ride-a-longs, and color guard details for special events.

How to Get Started

After attending two consecutive meetings, you will be given an application. Upon receiving your completed application, you will be scheduled for an oral interview with the Explorer Staff. If you are accepted, you will be classified as a Pasadena Explorer recruit awaiting the next available academy. The academy is held during Spring Break of PUSD. YOU MUST Attend the academy to be eligible to wear the Explorer uniform.

Explorer Qualifications

14-21 Years Old
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Good physical condition
No criminal arrest record
No associations with street gangs
Willing to serve the community
Good judgment of character

Explorer Meetings

Join us on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Jefferson Elementary School from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For additional information, please call (626) 744-4571 or email glennthompson@cityofpasadena.net.

Junior Public Safety Academy

Pasadena Junior Public Safety Academy

The Pasadena Junior Public Safety Academy is a joint venture between the Pasadena Police and Fire Departments. Pasadena area youth will participate in the five-day academy. The Pasadena Junior Public Safety Academy is designed to provide an arena where our young people can build confidence, leadership and team work through interaction with Police and Fire personnel. Participants will experience firsthand what these jobs entail, gaining insight into possible career opportunities.