Children growing up today are exposed to multiple negative influences including drug and alcohol abuse, gun violence, gangs and peer pressure that are detrimental to their health and safety.

Suffolk County Police Athletic League coaches and volunteers are some of the most influential adults in the lives of young athletes. In conjunction with parents and teachers, coaches often play a key role in helping children grow into responsible adults. As such, PAL coaches are in a unique position to recognize and refer children who need assistance.

Please be extremely vigilant for unusual behavior displayed by youths involved in PAL programs. Marked changes in attitude, personality or behavior may be indicative of a more serious problem, as might changes in attendance and/or performance. Also be alert for the display of antisocial behavior, bullying, or manifestations of prejudice and/or bias. In addition to the resources listed below, your PAL police coordinator is available to assist you with referring a child for help and should be contacted immediately if it is believed a child may be in need.

The Suffolk County Police Community Outreach Commanding Officer is Lt. Bob Donohue, who can be reached at (office) 631- 852-6530.  The PAL officers are Mike Harvey (631-905-1356), Bill Henry (631-905-1051) and Danny Rella (631-566-8571).

There are many resources available to help children in need, including:

• Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Response Hotline of Suffolk County (631) 751-7500

(Free crisis counseling/referrals)

• Response Hotline (Spanish-speaking) (631) 751-7423
• Mental Health Information Hotline (631) 952-3333
• Hispanic Counseling Center (631) 328-4959
• Alanon/Alateen 1-888-425-2666
• Narcotics Anonymous 1-800-477-6291
• Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (631) 665-2300
• Families Anonymous (516) 221-0303
• Suffolk County Human Rights Commission (631) 853-5480

Please remember that to confidentially report a tip and assist the police in making an arrest for prior criminal acts, you can call Crime Stoppers 1-800-220-TIPS, visit www.Tipsubmit.com or text “SCPD” and your message to CRIMES (274637). If help is needed an emergency, always dial 911.

Thank you for your attention and dedication to this critical matter.

Lt. Bob Donohue

Suffolk County Police Department Community Outreach Bureau

(631) 852-6530

donohrob@suffolkcountyny.gov