Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica

Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Jamaica is a department under the Ministry of National Security. Rehabilitation
3.

The Commissioner of Corrections is the chief executive officer who administers the Correctional programmes on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and reports to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security. The Department of Correctional Services is comprised of seven Adult Correctional Centres, four Juvenile Centres and sixteen Community Service Offices (Probation Offices) located

island wide. The Department has three (3) core functional areas:

1. Custodial Services (Adults and Juveniles)
2. Human Resource Management and Community Services. These three core areas seek to: provide facilities for admission, incarceration and welfare of inmates and wards; administer the probation, parole and hostel services operating in the community; and to provide the necessary reports that will assist the Courts to make informed decisions in selected cases. Additionally, the core areas also implement rehabilitation programmes for inmates, offenders and wards as well as develop, implement and evaluate procedures to ensure fiscal responsibility.

As part of activities for the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Ser...
10/09/2026

As part of activities for the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS), Heads of Correctional and Prison Services and other delegates toured the Portmore Probation Office, gaining firsthand insight into Jamaica’s approach to community-based rehabilitation, supervision and family support.

During the tour, delegates explored several areas that support the work of the Probation Aftercare Service, including the child play therapy area, private counselling rooms for individual interventions, and dedicated spaces used for parenting workshops and other rehabilitative programmes.

The visit provided an important look at the role of probation and community corrections within the wider correctional system, highlighting how targeted interventions, family-centred support and community supervision contribute to rehabilitation, reintegration and reducing the risk of reoffending.
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Today, Heads of Caribbean Corrections and Prison Services visited the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre for an ins...
10/09/2026

Today, Heads of Caribbean Corrections and Prison Services visited the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre for an insightful tour showcasing Jamaica’s approach to rehabilitation, skills development and institutional self-sustainability.

Joining the delegation was **Mrs. Carolyn Reid-Cameron, KC, NP, Public Defender of Jamaica**, as regional correctional leaders explored several of the institution’s agricultural, production and vocational operations.

The tour included the institution’s modern abattoir, designed to support livestock processing in accordance with established hygiene standards, as well as its poultry operations, which contribute to food production and greater institutional self-reliance. Delegates also toured the climate-controlled greenhouse, where protected crops are cultivated, and the tailor shop, where offenders develop practical skills in garment production.

More than a tour of facilities, the visit provided a practical look at **rehabilitation in action**, demonstrating how agriculture, vocational training and productive enterprise can create opportunities for offenders to develop marketable skills, build confidence and better prepare for successful reintegration into society.

The visit also provided an important platform for regional exchange, allowing Caribbean correctional leaders to share perspectives on approaches that strengthen rehabilitation while supporting more sustainable correctional operations.

We extend sincere appreciation to the management, staff and offenders of the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre for their warm welcome and for showcasing the important work being undertaken at the institution.
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Hope in action.Delegates attending the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and P...
10/09/2026

Hope in action.

Delegates attending the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) visited the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre, where they witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education, rehabilitation, creativity, skills development and encouragement.

From beautiful singing and outstanding performances to displays of talent and creativity, the visit highlighted the progress being made by the women as they acquire new skills, pursue educational opportunities and prepare for successful reintegration into society.

More than a tour, it was a powerful reminder of what corrections can achieve when rehabilitation is placed at the centre of the process: confidence restored, potential developed, second chances created and hope translated into action.

For the regional delegation, the visit also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and see Jamaica’s rehabilitation programmes at work, reinforcing the shared commitment to building correctional systems that not only provide security, but also create meaningful pathways for change.
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History has been made. The Caribbean Correctional Academy (CCA) is now a reality.In a landmark moment for Jamaica and th...
09/09/2026

History has been made. The Caribbean Correctional Academy (CCA) is now a reality.

In a landmark moment for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, the Department of Correctional Services officially opened the Caribbean Correctional Academy, signalling a new era in correctional education, training, leadership development and professionalisation across the region.

The historic occasion was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, the Honourable Dr. Horace Chang; Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, the Honourable Juliet Cuthbert Flynn; the Honourable Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security of The Bahamas; Commissioner of Corrections, Brigadier (Ret’d) Radgh Mason; and Heads of Correctional and Prison Services from across the Caribbean.

Also joining this significant milestone were representatives of two of the Department’s key educational partners, HEART/NSTA Trust and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), including HEART/NSTA Trust Executive Director, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, and UCC Acting President, Professor Warner.

The Caribbean Correctional Academy represents an important investment in the people who serve our correctional systems. Through accredited, competency-based education and professional training, the Academy will strengthen leadership, enhance correctional practice and build the specialised capabilities required to support rehabilitation, reintegration and safer communities.

More than the opening of an institution, the CCA represents a shared commitment to raising the standard of corrections in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.

A new chapter has begun. One Caribbean. One vision. Stronger corrections. Safer communities.
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Transformation in focus on Day 3 of the 14th Annual ACHCPS Conference.The conversation continued with presentations high...
09/09/2026

Transformation in focus on Day 3 of the 14th Annual ACHCPS Conference.

The conversation continued with presentations highlighting the work underway within Jamaica’s Department of Correctional Services and the vision for the future of corrections.

Members of the DCS team shared insights into rehabilitation and reintegration and the Correctional Management System (CMS), highlighting how programmes, technology and strengthened systems are supporting the Department’s transformation agenda.

Delegates also heard perspectives on the future state of the Department,with a focus on the changes required to build a more modern, efficient and responsive correctional service.

Adding to the discussion, Ms. Marielle Bristol, Founder and Director of MLG Consultancy & General Services, delivered the presentation, “The Roadmap to Corrections and Reform: From Where We Are to Where We Need to Be,” examining the journey towards meaningful and sustainable correctional reform.

From rehabilitation and digital transformation to institutional reform and the future of corrections, the Day 3 discussions continue to reinforce the importance of innovation, collaboration and purposeful action in advancing correctional services across the Caribbean.
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Day 3 is underway at the 14th Annual ACHCPS Conference, with Health and Wellbeing taking centre stage.Today’s sessions a...
09/09/2026

Day 3 is underway at the 14th Annual ACHCPS Conference, with Health and Wellbeing taking centre stage.

Today’s sessions are examining the critical role of health and wellbeing in building safer, more humane and effective correctional systems across the Caribbean, with regional leaders, practitioners and partners sharing experiences, challenges and practical approaches.

The day also featured remarks from Senator the Hon. Wayne R. Munroe, KC, Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs, in The Bahamas, contributing to the regional dialogue and reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing correctional services across the Caribbean.

The conversations continue as delegates explore how stronger approaches to health and wellbeing can support correctional professionals, rehabilitation and reintegration, and ultimately, safer communities.

One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections.
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Photo highlights: Day 2 of the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison S...
08/09/2026

Photo highlights: Day 2 of the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) underway in Kingston, Jamaica.

Under the theme, “One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections,” delegates continue to exchange experiences, strengthen regional partnerships and explore practical approaches to advancing safer, more effective and rehabilitative correctional systems..

Day Two of the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) ...
08/09/2026

Day Two of the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) continues today, with a focus on legal and justice-related matters affecting correctional services across the region.

The conference brings together distinguished legal professionals and justice-sector leaders for meaningful dialogue aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting rights and improving correctional practices throughout the Caribbean.
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Day 1 | Opening CeremonyThe 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Servi...
07/09/2026

Day 1 | Opening Ceremony

The 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) is officially underway in Kingston, Jamaica.

Correctional leaders, government officials, regional and international partners, and key stakeholders have come together under the theme, “One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections.”

The Opening Ceremony set the stage for three days of dialogue, knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration focused on strengthening correctional systems and advancing safer, more effective approaches across the Caribbean.

Jamaica is proud to host this important regional gathering as we work together to shape the future of Caribbean corrections.
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The conversations that shape the future of Caribbean corrections start here.Over three days, ACHCPS 2026 will bring corr...
04/09/2026

The conversations that shape the future of Caribbean corrections start here.

Over three days, ACHCPS 2026 will bring correctional leaders, practitioners, policymakers and partners together to examine three critical areas shaping correctional systems across our region: Security & Technology, Legal & Policy, and Health & Wellbeing.

The focus is not only on identifying the challenges. It is on exchanging expertise, exploring practical solutions and strengthening regional cooperation to build correctional systems that are more secure, effective, resilient and responsive.

Different perspectives. Shared challenges. Regional solutions.

📍 Kingston, Jamaica
📅 September 7–11, 2026

One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections.
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Address

5-7 King Street
Kingston
876

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
Thursday 08:30 - 17:00
Friday 08:30 - 16:30

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