The South Regional Agricultural Patrol Unit was established on September 16, 2002, as a result of a consolidation of the Cutler Ridge and Hammocks Districts Agricultural Patrol Units.  The Unit was subsequently upgraded to a Section on July 5, 2004.  The Section is inclusive of the Hammocks, Cutler Ridge, Doral, and Kendall Districts, and is staffed by one captain, one lieutenant, three sergeants, 17 officers, and one Police Crime Analyst.  The Section is divided into three squads, Midnight, Day, and Afternoon.  Personnel are assigned to cover the three shifts.  A mini-station to house the Section is planned to be functional by early 2006.  It will be located at 17799 SW 198 Terrace.

The area of responsibility encompasses approximately 440 square miles, from Southwest 8 Street south to the County Line, and from Biscayne Bay west to the Everglades National Park.  The Section provides community oriented policing in the rural and agricultural areas and these services include, but are not limited to, the investigations of burglary, theft, and criminal mischief of farm equipment.  The Section conducts proactive patrol of groves, nurseries, apiaries, and produce and “U-Pick” fields.  The Section also investigates cases of cruelty to farm animals, assaults and disputes concerning agricultural related issues, incidents involving exotic animals, illegal dumping, and gathers intelligence on cockfighting and illegal cantinas.  The Section inspects groves, fruit stands, and vehicles transporting produce and plants, and gathers lost or loose farm animals.  The Section further accomplishes the police function by assisting regular investigative units with access to areas as a result of impenetrable conditions.
Section personnel are assigned off-road 4X4 vehicles to access the rough terrain where nurseries, groves, and fields are located.  In addition, officers carry cellular telephones to be more accessible to the agricultural community

The telephone numbers are as follows:

Midnight Squad Supervisor           (786) 218-8300
Duty Officer                                 (786) 218-8301

Day Squad Supervisor                  (786) 295-1822
Duty Officer                                 (786) 218-8344

      Afternoon Squad Supervisor          (786) 351-7613
      Duty Officer                                 (786) 258-2224
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