Senior cop highlights agricultural security at Agri-Business Forum
/ Our Today
administrator
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Oral Pascoe, commanding officer of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Agricultural Protection Branch (APB), has reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling farm theft and praedial larceny, which continue to threaten the agricultural sector.
Speaking on Friday, September 19, at the Jamaica Agri-Business Investment Forum, held under the theme “Sustainable Agri-Business: Global Reach, Local Impact” at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, SSP Pascoe outlined comprehensive strategies being deployed by the APB to protect farmers and their investments.
“Praedial larceny and larceny of livestock have long plagued farmers, leading to substantial financial losses, reduced productivity and disincentives in the sector,” Pascoe said.
He highlighted the positive impact of the Agricultural Protection Branch, which was officially established on June 13, 2025.
Since its inception, the APB has strengthened the JCF’s ability to investigate and prosecute agricultural crimes while building stronger partnerships with farming communities.
Pascoe noted that specialised teams operating across Area 15 have already delivered results through increased arrests, recovery of stolen goods, and the creation of a greater sense of security among farmers islandwide.
He assured stakeholders that once agricultural crimes are reported, APB officers specifically trained to address farm-related offences will aggressively pursue perpetrators.
The participation of the APB at the investment forum underscores the Government’s recognition that addressing agricultural crime is key to building a sustainable and profitable agri-business sector in Jamaica.
Comments