The Agricultural Warden Programme

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining (MOAFM) have collaborated to expand support for agricultural protection, with the launch of the Agricultural Warden Programme. The initiative is aimed at tackling praedial larceny, which includes the theft of agricultural produce and livestock. Agricultural Wardens are part of the Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) of the JCF which was launched in June 2025.

JCF Combatting Bandits

The wardens are recruited by the JCF and carefully selected to undergo modified police training, in addition to agriculture training. Although dedicated to agriculture-related crimes, the wardens operate under the same legal framework as other units within the JCF and have the capacity to investigate, arrest, attend litigations, etc. Essentially, these wardens are police officers tasked with fighting crimes related to agriculture.

MOAFM Collaboration

The MOAFM has supported the JCF by identifying praedial larceny hotspots, which better guide the deployment of agricultural wardens. The Ministry also contributes to the design of training modules to prepare wardens for their duties. These modules cover:

• Livestock classification and management
• General agricultural practices
• The National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS)
• Legal and enforcement matters, including the Praedial Larceny (Prevention) Act

It is expected that the presence of agricultural wardens in praedial larceny hotspots will strengthen ties between the police and rural communities, create a climate of trust and shared responsibility and aid in gathering intelligence. By working hand in hand with farmers, wardens will help safeguard harvests, deter criminal activity and contribute to a safer and more productive sector.

Additional Reinforcement

The efforts of the APB will be bolstered using drone surveillance in farming neighbourhoods and stricter penalties for those caught in breach of the Praedial Larceny Prevention Act.

For additional information, contact:

Jamaica Constabulary Force

Address: 101-105 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Phone: 876-927-4421-4
Website: https://jcf.gov.jm/
Email: ccnops@jcf.gov.jm
Facebook, Instagram: @JamaicaConstabularyForce
X: @JamaicaConstab

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
Address: 6 Hope Gardens, Kingston
Phone: 876-927-1731
Website: https://www.moa.gov.jm/
Email: psecoffice@moa.gov.jm
Facebook, X, Instagram: @moafjm