Serving the Santa Barbara Community since 1999

Since 1999, the Santa Barbara Police Department has supported the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL) and its mission of building positive relationships between teens, law enforcement and the community.

SBPAL maintains an open-door policy, supporting any youth within the eligible age group, with a focus on those who may not have yet found their voice or niche. Our primary goal is to empower youth to achieve success beyond high school graduation, with opportunities such as college, military service, or trade school.

Since its inception, SBPAL has grown from serving 50 youth to providing no-cost programming to more than 750 youth annually, helping program participants to develop self-confidence, leadership skills, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community.

PAL is supported by the Santa Barbara Police Department, who provides in-kind officer time and support through the Police Advisory Cadre; consisting of specially trained officers and civilian staff within the police department who mentor program participants and engage other department staff in PAL activities.

The Santa Barbara Police Activities League provides a seat on the Executive Board for the position of Chief's Advisor, selected by the Police Chief, who meets quarterly with the Youth Leadership Council. Additional officers may join the board at the Police Chief’s direction. Other board representatives are made up of community members, program alumni, and parents; who are seated approximately every 2-4 years.

LEARN MORE: The History of PAL

OUR PARTNERS

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A shield-shaped emblem with silhouettes of three buildings, with rays of light behind them, and the seal of the City of Santa Barbara, California, featuring a sunrise, mountains, and water.
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Our mission is to build the bridge between cops, kids, and our community through mentorship, leadership, and academic enrichment programs.

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Our Commitment to inclusion

PAL is more than a program—it’s a promise to our youth and our community. Through mentorship, leadership, and opportunities to thrive, PAL brings people together around the idea that every young person deserves guidance, connection, and a future filled with possibility.”

— Audry Nafziger, Board President

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Meet Our Board

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Meet Our Staff

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Meet PAL PAC