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Blue Light (SA) Incorporated (Blue Light) evolved to better promote police and youth relations.
It has developed into a crime reduction initiative which aims primarily to identify and address the needs of young people who are ‘at risk’. Young people may be at risk because they come from a dysfunctional home, are economically disadvantaged, have come into contact with police or youth services or may have been identified as being likely to come into contact with the Juvenile Justice System by parents, friends or teachers.
Blue Light Programs offer entertainment and activities in an environment free from alcohol, drugs, smoking and violence.
Specially trained South Australia police officers, civilian South Australia Police employees and community volunteers supervise the entertainment and activities conducted by Blue Light. Without their support many programs would not operate.
The achievements of Blue Light are a credit to all SAPOL employees and community volunteers who have committed their time and effort to provide entertainment and supervise activities for the young people of South Australia.
Mission Statement <TOP> <HOME>
To develop and promote adventure recreation for youth which is professional in conduct,
provides quality experiences that minimise risk, and is sensitive to environmental, cultural
and social considerations.
From the outset, Blue Light objectives were to:
Provide an alcohol, drug, violence and smoke free zone
Develop leadership and motivation
Encourage self-esteem
Foster positive police/youth relations
The philosophy of Blue Light is to address youth issues by:
Identifying the needs of young people
Tailoring programs to meet individual needs
Working in social partnerships with police and young people to breakdown barriers of communication
The origins of Blue Light can be traced back to a crime prevention initiative of the Victoria Police in 1976.
Police recognised that many of their policing challenges involved young people and youth issues. It was realised that there was a shortage of positive entertainment venues for young people’s recreation on Friday nights and on the weekends.
As a result the first Blue Light Disco was held In Mooroolbark in 1976.
The initiative proved successful. Blue Light brought together police personnel and members of the community in a concerted effort to improve police/youth relations. It provided a meaningful activity for young people and fostered positive interactions between police and young people.
The scheme was adopted by police in South Australia in 1981 under the management of SAPOL’s Community Programs Support Branch. The inaugural South Australian Blue Light Disco was held at Noarlunga on July 31 1982.
Blue Light History <TOP> <HOME>
It was 25 years ago …..
The continued success of Blue Light Discos and other activities over the past two decades will see Blue Light (SA) Inc celebrate 25 years in 2007.