JCF commences recruitment of agricultural wardens to combat praedial larceny

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has commenced recruitment of agricultural wardens to combat praedial larceny islandwide.

This was disclosed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, during a statement to the House of Representatives on October 22.

The first recruitment drive was held on October 22 at Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland and another is scheduled for November 9 at the JCF Area 4 Headquarters, Harman Barracks Complex on Deanery Road in Kingston, beginning 8:00 a.m.

Under the three-year Agricultural Wardens Programme, 300 wardens will be recruited and posted in praedial larceny hotspots.

It will cost approximately $1.8 billion, with some $390 million being expended in the first year.

“Our first 100 agricultural wardens, once recruited, will participate in an extensive training programme to include, among other areas, enforcement modules in fundamentals of police duties and procedures, firearm training, defensive tactics and drills, community-based policing, evidence recording, court preparation, target hardening and agricultural modules, including livestock classification, agricultural practises and the Ministry's traceability systems,”Green detailed.

Wardens will also be exposed to legal modules covering legislation, case preparation and mock trial exercises as well as motorcycle and motor-vehicle driving certification.

Green advised that the curriculum has been completed and training is expected to begin in January 2025.

He shared that the programme is projected to result in increased enforcement actions against perpetrators, improved detection, prosecution and deterrent rates, enhanced surveillance, patrols and community awareness and a reduction in economic losses sustained by farmers due to praedial larceny.

This, the Minister added, will further result in increased agricultural productivity and profitability in the sector, ensuring food security and economic stability.

Green advised that a joint high-level committee of the Agriculture Ministry, National Security Ministry and JCF will monitor and manage the programme's implementation.

“The Agricultural Wardens Programme is an important step towards safeguarding the agricultural sector, especially as we continue to encourage greater investments in agriculture to boost expansion and exports and to support our commitment to food security and rural development,” he reasoned.

Green further noted that it will take some time to tackle the issue of praedial larceny, but assured that the Government is committed to taking deliberate steps to ensure that farmers and fishers reap what they sow.

Interested persons can visit the JCF's website at https://recruiting.jcf.gov.jm/ to apply.

- JIS News

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