PAL is coordinated by officers in the Durham Police Department's PAL Unit, which is also responsible for coordinating the Law Enforcement Exploring Program and bringing support for Special Olympics North Carolina through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The Police Athletic League (PAL) is a mentoring program that focuses on the prevention of juvenile crime using athletic, recreational, and educational activities as a platform to build relationships between kids, cops, and the community. Police officers serve as mentors and coaches promoting positive attitudes, teamwork, overcoming challenges, and good citizenship among Durham youth.

Law Enforcement Exploring is a career-oriented program that gives youth and young adults an opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement through educational/training, practical, competitive, and recreational activities.  Whether an Explorer goes on to become a law enforcement officer or not, the program provides activities that enable Explorers to broaden their understanding and knowledge of the law enforcement profession in general and learn the challenges and rewards of providing police services in their own community.

Durham Police Exploring follows the guidelines set forth in the Learning for Life- Exploring Manual, and follows five areas of emphasis:

- Career Opportunities
- Life Skills
- Citizenship
- Character Education
- Leadership Experience