Become a Junior Police Ranger

Launched in 1985, the Junior Police Rangers program was an initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Police, Fire and Emergency Services. It was developed as part of a strategy to address concerns about declining standards of youth behaviour in Darwin.

The program proudly continues today and provides young people with access to skills development and experiences not typically available in the general education system.

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About the Junior Police Rangers Program

The Junior Police Rangers program aims to develop life skills, leadership capability, and self-esteem, enabling participants to positively influence their peers and contribute to their communities. After completing their schooling, participants are encouraged to continue serving their communities, applying their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm in meaningful ways.

The program is delivered over three years, beginning in Year 8 and concluding at the end of Year 10. During the first two years, participants focus on developing core skills and knowledge and in the final (senior) year, they take on supervised leadership roles, acting as mentors and instructors to junior participants.

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Program activities include:

Rock climbing
Camping
Conservation and land management
Water safety
Community Service
Drill
First Aid
Navigation, Search and Rescue and Orienteering
Public Speaking
Radio Communication

The following criteria are considered when selecting Junior Police Rangers:

Interview performance
Swimming ability, including: one 25-metre lap of each survival stroke: freestyle, breaststroke, lifesaving backstroke, and sidestroke
Communication skills
Overall behaviour and attitude
References from respected non-family members in their community

Junior Police Rangers are required to wear the following uniform:

Junior Police Rangers shirt and cap
Black / Navy shorts
Closed in shoes or runners

$800 (inc. GST) per participant.

Junior Police Rangers participate in regular group meetings throughout the program.

During the school term, groups meet once a week at the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services College. Sessions are held on a weekday (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, depending on the group) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Regular attendance at all sessions is required and participants are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from meetings.

In addition to weekly sessions, participants are encouraged to attend scheduled camps held during school holidays. The program concludes in early December each year and recommences in the first week of February.

Junior Police Rangers are expected to maintain exemplary behaviour at all times. When in uniform, they represent the program and are subject to public, peer and supervisory scrutiny.

Participants must demonstrate a high level of self-discipline and comply with the Junior Police Rangers Code of Conduct, Rules, and Creed.

Junior Police Rangers utilise Goanna Park, a youth campground utilised by the Junior Police Rangers Land Association. The association includes volunteers, parents of program participants and police representatives.

Goanna Park is located approximately 80 km east of Darwin on the Arnhem Highway. The site covers 22 acres, with an additional 5 acres under ongoing lease.

Facilities include a large lake (no swimming permitted), a non-powered campground, undercover accommodation, amenities, and general camping facilities.

Goanna Park is available for use by schools, clubs, sporting organisations, non-profit organisations, and remote youth groups for recreation, training, and sporting activities.