About MCPAL

ABOUT MEDINA COUNTY POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE

 The MCPAL program is unique in that it is staffed and supported by police officers and police departments in Medina County, Ohio. Adopted by the Montville Police Department in 2010, the MCPAL program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of law enforcement and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer. It is based on the conviction that young people, if reached early enough, can develop strong, positive attitudes towards officers and be more likely to respect the laws that officers enforce.

By utilizing educational, athletic, and recreational activities, MCPAL aims to give youth an opportunity to both de-stress and have fun in a safe, caring environment. Currently, the MCPAL program is held in the school districts of Brunswick, Cloverleaf, Highland, Medina and Wadsworth. Programs are typically held twice weekly at each location, with special events throughout the summer. There is no cost or requirement to participate.

 Past field trips have included: Cavs game, including the High Five Tunnel at the beginning of the games, Monsters games, Gladiators games, Canton Charge games, tour of Federal Reserve and Progressive Field, Science Center, Medina Rec Center, Rubber Ducks Game, Laser Tag, Roller Skating, and charter boast fishing trips.

 Special events during the weekly program include monthly dinners to help build community and reinforce manners; holiday party including pizza and craft; craft classes; egg decorating; baking; healthy eating lessons; motivational and fun guest speakers; and gem display.

 MCPAL is proud to be partnering with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office to offer the Medina County Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program.  Law Enforcement Exploring is a hands on, career-oriented program open to young men and women who have completed 6^th grade through 20 years old.  Explorer’s gives young adults the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies.  The program offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

 The majority of MCPAL’s funding comes from the Medina County Juvenile Court. Additional funding is received through grants from National PAL, OCJS, Westfield Group and through fundraisers such as golf outings, Fall Mix and Mingle, and silent auctions. MCPAL continues to collaborate with Medina County police departments, local school districts, county agencies, and businesses with the intention of expanding and offering more programs and services throughout the county.

 MCPAL strives to reduce crime by creating trust and understanding between youth and police officers ultimately benefiting our communities at large.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Medina Police Activities League currently has five after school programs in Medina, Lodi, Spencer and Brunswick serving over 150 children. The officers and volunteers play basketball, dodge ball, kickball, interactive video games and board games with the children ranging in age from 8 to 15. The program also offers a tutoring component to help students complete homework assignments. The MCPAL kids also attended various field trips this year including trips to a Cavaliers basketball game, the Great Lakes Science Center and laser tag at Amazone. 

Studies have shown that i f a young person respects a police officer on the ball field, gym or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood, the business community and the community at large.