STRENGTHENING THE SHEILD: 22 DISTRICT CONSTABLES SWORN IN TO BOLSTER AGRICULTURAL PROTECTION BRANCH (APB)
The landscape of Jamaican agriculture is undergoing a transformative security shift as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues to expand its specialised Agricultural Protection Branch (APB). In a ceremony held Wednesday, February 4 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in St. Andrew, the branch officially swore in 22 district constables to intensify the fight against agricultural crimes and protect the livelihoods of the nation’s farmers.
The ceremony was presided over by the Commanding Officer of the APB, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Oral Pascoe, alongside Administrative Officer Inspector Georgia Brown and other senior members of the branch.
During the proceedings, SSP Oral Pascoe delivered a stern yet motivating charge to the newly minted district constables. He emphasised that the success of the APB rests on the continuous professional development of its members and how they treat members of the public. He charged the men and women to “learn as much as is physically possible and to apply themselves to the task at hand,” noting that the complexities of agricultural crime require both traditional policing skills and specialised knowledge of the agricultural industry. He further encouraged the new District Constables to ensure that they genuinely “serve, protect and reassure the citizens of Jamaica.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has lauded the JCF’s commitment to the agricultural community. With agriculture contributing significantly to Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP), the protection of this sector is viewed as a matter of national food security.
Today’s swearing in part of a calculated move to increase in the branch’s operational capacity, following the strategic formation of the APB in June of 2025. The addition of these men and women brings the branch closer to its goals for 2026, adding to already significant achievements in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals targeting the agricultural sector by the APB.
The new district constables will be deployed across all parishes and geographical areas of the JCF.
As they take their oath, the message to criminals is clear: the JCF and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are committed to ensuring that the sweat and investment of the Jamaican farmers are no longer easy pickings for the lawless.
The JCF continues to invite the public to report suspicious activities via the 119 police emergency number, Crime Stop at 311 or their local police stations.
