Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn says Jamaica is on a path to long-term sustainable reduction in praedial larceny and other agricultural-related crimes while making strides to safeguard the nation’s food security.
“The establishment of this Agricultural Protection Branch is a bold and strategic step toward safeguarding Jamaica’s food chain, restoring law and order in our rural spaces and dismantling the criminal operations that threaten farming communities,” she underscored.
The State Minister made the statement at the launch held at the Tactical Training Academy, Specialised Operations earlier today (June 13).
“The launch of the Agricultural Protection Branch within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is more than an operational milestone, it is the materialisation of collaborative work across government to defend the lifeblood of rural communities and the livelihood of many Jamaican men and women,” she further explained.
Established as a direct response to the growing threat of praedial larceny and its impact on food security, the Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) is mandated to combat agricultural-related crimes through intelligence-led policing, deployment of specialised units and the integration of aerial surveillance.
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn lauded the evolution of the JCF and emphasised the vitality of the newly launched branch while highlighting the significant increase in prosecution.
“Just last year (2024), we saw a significant increase in enforcement, 139 arrests for praedial larceny compared to 78 the year before (2023), a 78 per cent increase” she added.
Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Oral Pascoe, in his address outlined that “by preventing agricultural theft and ensuring secure food supply chains, the APB contributes to economic stability, rural development and national resilience.”
He noted that the APB is prepared to use proactive measures as a catalyst to deter theft and build community trust.
Through coordinated deployment, legal backing, intelligence support and building trust within communities to combat the networks that traffic stolen produce and livestock, the Ministry of National Security remains committed to curbing praedial larceny and will continue to provide strategic support.
Photos
View album in the Gallery →