Police Athletic League Begins Final Four Tournament as Successful Summer of Basketball After Dark Reaches End

Over 400 DeKalb youth taught critical life skills, career education, conflict resolution, and swimming to keep youth off the street and constructively engaged during summer.

Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is proud to announce that the Final Four Tournament of the Police Athletic League (PAL) Basketball After Dark is underway.

The Final Four games began June 25 and run through June 27. The week will conclude with a game Friday, June 28, at 10 p.m. between DeKalb County PAL youth participants playing against the Atlanta PAL. The final game will take place at South DeKalb YMCA, 2565 Snapfinger Road, Decatur.

DeKalb’s Basketball After Dark, often called midnight basketball, is a year-round program that began in 2021 as a summer program, but due to overwhelming participation, was quickly expanded. In 2022, Commissioner Cochran-Johnson allocated $20,000 in American Rescue Plan funding towards the program.

PAL utilizes educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth. It is based on the conviction that young people, if reached early enough, can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers. The program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of law enforcement and expands public awareness about the role police officers play in reinforcing responsible values and attitudes in young people and the community.

PAL reaches a minimum of 5,000 DeKalb youth annually through its mentoring programs, conflict resolution classes, football, basketball, track and field, sports, and educational field trips.

Basketball After Dark is coordinated by PAL under the leadership of Sgt. Howard Jenkins, Detective Kahari K. Ricketts, and Officer Africa Mingo. The program is a collaborative undertaking that includes the DeKalb Juvenile Justice System and several wrap-around service providers.

“It is our privilege as DeKalb County police officers to serve and protect our community through the Police Athletic League by providing direct mentorship through sports and academic programs to the children of DeKalb County,” said Sgt. Howard Jenkins, PAL Unit Commander.

“It has been a pleasure working with PAL and the many partners that provide a rewarding experience for our youth,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “Our officers truly care about our community and the outcome of our children. We often see an uptick in juvenile crime and violence during the summer, so it is important to provide constructive activities to educate youth and ensure they have the guidance they need.”

For media coverage or to schedule an interview with Commissioner Cochran-Johnson, Sergeant Howard Jenkins, Detective Kahari K. Ricketts, or Officer Africa Mingo, email jlmanigo@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-547-2696.