Police Athletic League (PAL) Meeting
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Dover Police Department
What happened
AI summary
The Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) Board met on January 7, 2026, with Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr. presiding. The Board approved the agenda, the November 17, 2025 minutes, and authorized program expenditures for several upcoming youth initiatives, including the Sponsored Athlete Program, Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza, Youth Academy, Basketball Clinic, and 'A Day in Our Boots.' The Board also engaged in extensive discussion regarding the draft bylaws for transitioning into the Dover Community Policing Foundation (a 501(c)(3) entity) to support multiple pillars such as PAL, victim services, officer wellness, and specialized forensic testing while removing sworn officers from direct financial management. Further discussion on the bylaws was tabled, and strategic planning was deferred until the Board is fully seated.
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Votes
4 routine votes, all passed
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Move to accept the Agenda.
Passed.
Move to accept the November 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
Passed.
Move to accept the expenditure for the PAL Programs to include the Sponsored Athlete Program, The Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza, Basketball Clinic/3 on 3 tournament, Youth Academy & A Day in Our Boots.
Passed.
Move to table anymore discussion on the By-Laws.
Passed.
Agenda
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1. Adoption of Agenda
Approval of the meeting agenda for January 7, 2026.
2. Adoption of Minutes
Approval of the November 17, 2025 meeting minutes.
3. Request for Funding for Upcoming PAL Events
Presentation and approval of funding for youth programs including the Sponsored Athlete Program, Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza, Basketball Clinic/3 on 3 tournament, Youth Academy, and 'A Day in Our Boots.'
4. PAL Updates
Updates on the Sponsored Athlete Program application extension, the 21st Century Program, Central Elementary programming, downtown holiday event, and preliminary discussion of a proposal from Deebo Williams for youth flag football.
5. Dover Community Policing Foundation By-Laws Discussion
Discussion regarding draft bylaws for establishing the 501(c)(3) Dover Community Policing Foundation, including mission pillars, board expansion to 7 or 9 members, civilian financial oversight, ethical considerations of police solicitation, and funding for victim services and forensic testing.
6. Strategic Planning
Discussion regarding the timing of comprehensive strategic planning, agreeing it should be conducted once the full Board is constituted.
7. Announcements
Proposal to formally recognize Anthony Smith for his years of service at the next meeting.