The Police Athletic League (PAL) of Erie is headed to Washington D.C. 

The group left for their first out of state overnight trip since the program started in Erie 8 years ago on Thursday, December 28. 

PAL events such as this one hope to promote character development in the youth participants, as well as reduce crime in local neighborhoods.

The kids interact with members of the Erie Police Department, the sheriff's office, the Erie County District Attorney's Office, Gannon University police, and the Erie County Juvenile Probation Office. 

Erie News Now spoke with Lieutenant Thomas Lenox about his time with the program. Lenox told Erie News Now that the best part is seeing the officers take the opportunity to foster a "cop-kid" relationship with members.

More information on the Police Athletic League can be found here.