The Newark Police Department and the Newark Police Athletic League (PAL) have introduced their newly designed department mascot named SOAR.

SOAR aims to build positive connections between law enforcement and local youth, highlighting the department’s dedication to engagement, presence, and trust. Taking inspiration from the eagle on the department’s official patch, the mascot was created in collaboration with Character Translations, a notable company famous for developing key characters like “Gritty” from the Philadelphia Flyers.

This mascot marks a pioneering step in community policing, using a sports-team level character to enhance relationships between officers and children. The project was entirely funded by a grant provided to the Newark PAL by the Delaware Criminal Justice Council. This grant reflects state-wide endorsement of innovative methods that promote youth involvement and foster productive interaction with public safety officials.

As part of the unveiling process, nearly 2,000 elementary school students from area schools participated in the naming of the new mascot. A selection committee, composed of Newark Police officers and members of the Newark PAL Board of Directors, finalized their choice for the winning name, SOAR.

The name was revealed during a school pep rally held Friday, April 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Downes Elementary School. The event marked SOAR’s first official appearance and celebrated the collaborative spirit behind its creation.