Each Blue Light Branch is operationally autonomous and is overseen by a local committee. All Branches are regulated by the Blue Light State Constitution and are under the direction of the Blue Light State Council, the State Coordinator and Assistant State Coordinator.
Branches consist of members of the local community, local police officers and young people. Consideration of the needs of young people are the key determinants of the type of activities to be carried out.
The committees determine ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘what’ will occur in their local Blue Light area. The Branches do their own fundraising and are responsible for determining how those funds will be spent. The Blue Light State Coordinator, Assistant State Coordinator and State Council provide assistance and advice to Branches if and when necessary.
The main function of the State Council is to develop policy, to oversee and assist Branches, to research issues of concern and to report back to Branches.
The success of Blue Light is due to the phenomenal support of volunteers who provide the much-needed human resources required to conduct the life-changing programs.
To become a part of Blue Light, community members should contact a Blue Light Branch in their area and join a dynamic team. In 2004 there were 33 Branches operating throughout South Australia. If there is not a Blue Light Branch operating in your local community, you are encouraged to gather support from other community members, including local police officers and submit a request to the Police Local Service Area Commander to establish a Blue Light Branch.
However, before submitting a request it is recommended that a Blue Light Starter Kit is obtained to find out more information.
A ‘Blue Light Starter Kit’ is available for people interested in establishing a Blue Light Branch and/or conducting Blue Light activities.
The kit provides information about issues that need to be considered when starting up a Blue Light Branch, as well as guidelines and procedures that must be followed to become an accredited Blue Light Branch.
The kit also provides information for people who would like to run Blue Light activities, including standard requirements that must be followed to meet Blue Light objectives and for insurance purposes.
In addition to the Starter Kit, Blue Light provides a ‘Supervisors Manual’ that is designed to provide Blue Light information that is necessary for a person who is going to undertake the duties of a supervisor for Blue Light activities.
The State Council consists of representatives from various Blue Light Branches throughout South Australia to ensure wide representation.
The State Coordinator, assisted by the Assistant State Coordinator provides central coordination and are responsible for overall management.
The State Coordinator consults with the State Council to ensure relevant support, advice and guidance is given to all Branches to achieve consistency across the State and to ensure meaningful programs are delivered to meet the expectations of young people and the wider community.
The State Coordinator liaises with interstate and overseas counterparts to ensure that the South Australia Blue Light programs and activities lead the way and continue to be progressive and innovative and meet the ever-changing needs of today’s young people.