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History
Launched in 1985, the Junior Police Rangers Scheme was an initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Police, Fire, and Emergency Services. It was developed as part of a strategy to combat a perceived drop in civic mindedness among our youth.
The scheme attempts to develop the leadership skills of young people by providing activities not generally available at schools. It is designed to boost a range of practical skills (from public speaking to orienteering) and self esteem amongst the participants, enabling them to pass these skills on to their peers.
It is hoped that Junior Police Rangers will go on to play leading roles in their community.
The program
After recruitment towards the end of Year 6, each child participates in the scheme over three years, commencing in Year 7 and finishing at the end of Year 9.
The first two years of the scheme are teaching phases, and the last (Senior) year is spent by the participants as supervised instructors/mentors of the more junior Rangers.
Subjects and activities
Some of the subjects and activities offered are:
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Abseiling
- Camping, hiking and survival bushcraft
- Canoeing, boat handling and water safety
- Community service
- Drill
- First aid and incident management skills
- Instructional techniques
- Lesson preparation and planning
- Life saving - undertaking the Bronze Medallion
- Navigation and orienteering
- Public speaking
- Radio communication
Other activities during school holidays include abseiling, training and survival camps.
The Junior Police Ranger scheme supports community service to several charities and organisations.
Selection criteria
The following areas are taken into consideration in selecting Junior Police Rangers:-
- Commitment
- Physical fitness (taking into account any disabilities)
- Sport participation and recreational activities
- Communication skills
- General behaviour
- Academic achievement
- Recommendations of teachers and the School Based Constable.
Uniform
Junior Police Rangers are required to wear a uniform which consists of a blue Junior Police Ranger shirt and cap, worn with either a black/Navy skirt or shorts, and white socks and runners.
Costs/fees
- $350 per full year (includes gst)
- Uniform shirt and cap $50 (includes gst)
Failure to pay by the due date may result in the child being suspended until payment is received.
Attendance/meeting details
There are three types of Junior Police Ranger group meetings.
During the school week, Junior Police Ranger groups meet once a week over a three year period at the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services College. Meeting times are on a weekday from 4 pm to 6 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the group). Full attendance is required at all sessions.
Rangers are expected to organise their own transport to the meetings. Staff will provide transport to selected drop off points after each meeting, unless otherwise notified.
The program requires attendance at a weekend camp every two months, and at least one camp during the school holidays in June/July.
The Junior Police Rangers scheme concludes early December each year and recommences February of the following year.
For further information
Contact:
OIC Junior Police Rangers
Peter McAulay Centre, Berrimah
PO Box 39764
WINNELLIE NT 0821
Tel: 08 8922 3530
Fax: 08 8922 3607
via e-mail
joseph.linco@nt.gov.au
Goanna Park project
The Junior Police Ranger Scheme owns Goanna Park, a youth camping ground administered by the scheme’s Coordinators, Police Commissioner’s representatives and the donor of the land, Mr Terry Baldwin.
It is located on the Arnhem Highway, 80 kilometres east of Darwin. The site comprises 22 hectares, with another five hectares under continuing lease. It has a large lake for water activities and both undercover accommodation, amenities and camping facilities.
The camp is available to schools, disadvantaged groups, sporting bodies and remote area youth groups to use for recreation, training and sporting activities. It is undergoing major redevelopment to enable disabled and other community youth groups to share its resources.
The Park receives support from the Variety Club of the Northern Territory.
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