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.

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.

đź“Ť Kingston, Jamaica
📅 September 7–11, 2026

One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections.
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The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is representing Jamaica at the 3rd Annual Caribbean Association of Probati...
02/09/2026

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is representing Jamaica at the 3rd Annual Caribbean Association of Probation & Parole Conference, being held September 2–4, 2026, in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Representing Jamaica are Mr. Robert Taylor, Deputy Commissioner, Rehabilitation and Probation Aftercare (Acting), and Ms. Beverley Baugh, Rehabilitation Manager.

Under the theme, “Leveraging Probation, Parole and Rehabilitation as Effective Crime-Reduction Strategies in the Caribbean,” the conference brings together regional professionals to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and explore approaches to rehabilitation and community corrections that contribute to safer Caribbean societies.

Jamaica’s participation reinforces the DCS’ commitment to advancing effective rehabilitation and probation practices, strengthening regional partnerships and supporting sustainable crime-reduction strategies.
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01/09/2026

Juvenile wards at the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Centre participated in an empowerment session on Monday, under the theme “Greatness Lies Within: May Have a Bad Start but Can Have a Beautiful Finish.”

Conceptualised by Chaplain Rev. Dwayne Nelson, the session featured guest speaker Min. Michael Maragh of Power of Faith Ministries, who shared his personal journey and encouraged the juveniles to recognise their potential, make positive choices and understand that their beginning does not have to determine their future.

Wards also participated through Scripture readings and a motivational speech, while four were recognised with Chaplaincy Awards for Exemplary Conduct, Active Participation, Powerful Voice and Journey of Growth.

The session reinforced the DCS’ commitment to rehabilitation, personal growth and preparing juvenile wards for positive reintegration.
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Jamaica’s correctional system is entering a new chapter.Modern reform requires more than new policies and programmes. It...
31/08/2026

Jamaica’s correctional system is entering a new chapter.

Modern reform requires more than new policies and programmes. It requires the infrastructure to support rehabilitation, security and successful reintegration.

In my latest Jamaica Observer article, I share my perspective on what it will take to modernise Jamaica’s correctional system.

Read: “Modernising Jamaica’s Correctional System”

https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/08/20/modernising-jamaicas-correctional-system/

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), through its Rehabilitation Branch and the South Camp Adult Correctional C...
27/08/2026

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), through its Rehabilitation Branch and the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre, today staged the Miss South Camp Pageant 2026, celebrating Jamaican culture, confidence and positive citizenship.

Hosted by reigning Miss Kingston and St. Andrew Festival Queen, Danielle Cox, the pageant saw ten finalists take centre stage, showcasing their personal growth, creativity, cultural awareness, talent and communication skills.

More than a pageant, the initiative provided a platform for self-expression, confidence-building and positive personal development, demonstrating how structured rehabilitation programmes can help offender clients develop the skills, values and self-belief needed to make positive choices and prepare for successful reintegration.

Guided by the slogan “A Better Me, A Better Jamaica,”the initiative reinforces the DCS’ commitment to rehabilitation that transforms lives, strengthens individual potential and supports offender clients in becoming productive, responsible citizens.
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The future of Caribbean corrections demands a shared vision.From September 7–11, 2026, correctional and prison service l...
19/08/2026

The future of Caribbean corrections demands a shared vision.

From September 7–11, 2026, correctional and prison service leaders from across the region will gather in Kingston, Jamaica, for the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS).

Together, we will confront shared challenges, exchange expertise and explore bold approaches to strengthening correctional systems across the Caribbean.

Because when we lead together, we create greater possibilities for transformation, rehabilitation and regional security.

One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections.
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18/08/2026

Past Challengers Camp participant Shannon Gordon shares how mentorship, guidance, and therapy helped him overcome youth mistakes. Today, he’s pursuing a degree in Special Education at The Mico University College with plans to mentor the next generation.

​His advice to youth: “If you make a mistake, don’t stay there. Think before you act—you can create a better future for yourself.”
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Approximately 400 children and youth were empowered with essential life skills during the DCS 2026 Challengers’ Day Camp...
18/08/2026

Approximately 400 children and youth were empowered with essential life skills during the DCS 2026 Challengers’ Day Camps, held simultaneously at 14 locations islandwide.

Through mentorship, personal-development sessions and interactive activities, campers were equipped to manage conflict, build self-confidence, make responsible decisions and pursue positive futures.

Past camper Shannon Gordon, now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in special education, reminded participants: “Your past does not define who you are or what you can become. You can create a better future for yourself.”

Commissioner of Corrections, Brigadier (Ret’d) Radgh Mason, also challenged the campers to take charge of their journey: “Your circumstances may influence your starting point, but they do not have to determine your destination.”

The DCS remains committed to early intervention, rehabilitation and community-based support for Jamaica’s young people.
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The Portmore Probation Office successfully hosted its Challengers’ Camp 2026 under the theme, “Find Your Focus. Spark In...
17/08/2026

The Portmore Probation Office successfully hosted its Challengers’ Camp 2026 under the theme, “Find Your Focus. Spark Innovation. Design the Future.”

The camp provided child offenders and at-risk youth with opportunities for personal development, creative learning and positive engagement. Through mentorship and interactive activities, participants were encouraged to recognize their potential, make responsible choices and design a brighter future.
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14/08/2026

The boys at the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Centre experienced a powerful Gospel Explosion yesterday with the staging of a special singspiration featuring the DCS Pop Band.

Led by the institution’s Chaplain, Rev. Dwayne Nelson, the initiative provided an opportunity for the boys to engage in worship, reflection and spiritual encouragement. The programme also featured performances by Rev. Kadine McKenzie-Boreland, members of the DCS Choir and one of the wards at the institution, adding to an uplifting morning of praise and fellowship.

The event comes on the heels of the recent baptism of one of the wards, marking an important milestone in his personal and spiritual journey.

Spiritual development remains an important component of the rehabilitation process. Through its continued ministry across correctional institutions, the DCS Chaplaincy Unit is helping to nurture positive values, personal transformation and responsible choices as part of the Department’s broader efforts to support successful rehabilitation and build safer, stronger communities.

Coverage done by Staff Officer Cameron D
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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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