NCJ Number
121606
Date Published
1989
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This study identifies Oahu (Hawaii) communities with a high proportion of youth at risk for delinquency and assesses the need for the expansion of the services of the Police Activities League (PAL) into these communities.
Abstract
According to its current policy and procedures manual, PAL's purpose is "to provide recreation for the boy or girl who does not belong to nor is affiliated with any other similar organization; to develop a friendly relationship between youngsters and police officers; and to cultivate and improve the moral and civic standards of the youth in our communities." To identify communities with a need for PAL services, this study matched police 1987 and 1988 arrest data with school attendance data to determine the number of youth arrested per 100 youth attending a particular school. Schools provided other information pertinent to the identification of at-risk youth: number of suspensions, dismissals, and truancies. Data on vandalism were also coded for each school. Seven Oahu communities apparently have a high proportion of at-risk youth. Some of these communities have more recreational opportunities than others, and PAL already has a significant role in two of the communities and is slated to expand into another. PAL should expand into the neighborhoods of Ewa and Palolo and offer more activities in Waipahu. Some modification in traditional PAL programming is recommended. 16 tables, 2 figures, 16 references.