Become a Junior Police Ranger

Launched in 1985, the Junior Police Rangers Program was an initiative of the NT Government and the NT 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 Junior Police Rangers Program recruitment process begins in July every year, targeting Year 7 students.

Applications close 15 October each year.

Apply now!

About the Junior Police Rangers Program

The Junior Police Rangers Program develops 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.

Junior Police Rangers will often go on to play leading roles in their community.

Each child participates in the program over a 3 year period, commencing in Year 8 and finishing at the conclusion of Year 10.

The first 2 years of the program are the teaching phases, and the last (senior) year allows the participants to act as supervised instructors/mentors of the more Junior Police Rangers.

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Some of the subjects and activities offered are:

abseiling
camping, hiking and survival bushcraft
canoeing, boat handling and water safety
community service
drill
first aid incident management skills
instructional techniques
lesson preparation and planning
lifesaving - undertaking the bronze medallion
navigation and orienteering
public speaking
radio communication.

The Junior Police Rangers Program supports community service to several charities and organisations.

The following areas are taken into consideration in selecting Junior Police Rangers:

commitment
swimming test – 4 laps of 25m pool, one of each survival stroke
sport participation and recreational activities
communication skills
general behaviour
academic achievement
recommendations of teachers and one other person who is not a parent or relation.

Junior Police Rangers are required to wear a uniform which consists of:

a blue Junior Police Rangers shirt and cap
a black/navy skirt or shorts and
white socks and runners.

$700 (inc. GST) per year for uniforms, travel, food and activities.
$100 (inc. GST) per year for the Goanna Park Project.

Weekly meeting

Once a week during the school week:

Junior Police Ranger groups meet once a week over a 3 year period at the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services College, in the Peter McAulay Centre in Berrimah
meeting times are from 4pm to 6pm on either 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.

School holiday camp

All camps are required.

The Junior Police Rangers Program concludes early December each year and recommences February of the following year.

The Junior Police Rangers Program owns Goanna Park, a youth camping ground administered by the Program’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 5 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: