What is a Livestock Agent Law Enforcement?

We often think of law enforcement as protecting people, but did you know some officers focus on keeping farm animals safe?

Let us learn about what is a livestock agent law enforcement does and their roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, let us find out how livestock police use the Safe Call program to protect agricultural animals and carry out their responsibilities, such as checking animal welfare, investigating equipment and livestock thefts, helping identify owners of stray livestock, and keeping track of agricultural policies.

Understanding Livestock Agent Law Enforcement Jobs

Before diving into the responsibilities of livestock agents in law enforcement, let us first determine what states have livestock agents law enforcement.

Did you know that as of 2021, there are already over 22 States that have law enforcement departments specialized in livestock overseer duties?

These States are as follows:

These States have various livestock agent badges for their law enforcement. Please review the images below to see samples of the badges.

Duties and Responsibilities

Answering the question of what is a livestock agent law enforcement is now easier since we have an overview of it. We’ve learned that they are often known as special rangers and are responsible for investigating agricultural crimes.

Like other industries, agriculture holds significant importance in the U.S., contributing $1.264 trillion to the GDP as of 2021.

However, some issues related to it have not received enough attention. For instance, though not the most recent, in 2007, just in California suffered significant financial losses due to agricultural-related crimes.

It highlights the importance of having livestock agent authority in law enforcement to oversee and address such matters.

The agricultural crimes they monitor and investigate include thefts of farm equipment, pesticides, agricultural chemicals, agricultural products, livestock, and, in particular circumstances, farm property damage like vandalism to some farm assets.

In the US, multiple associations support law enforcement agencies in addressing these specific crimes.

For example, in Texas, they have the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and a director of the Public Safety Department may assign approximately 50 special rangers to conduct livestock-related investigations.

What Do Livestock Agents Do?

These individuals handle farm animal purchases and sales for various clients, like meat processing plants, other livestock-related companies, ranchers, and farmers.

In short, they act as liaisons who assess the value of livestock and negotiate prices. In some cases, they are cattle agents in some auctions.

So, what relevance do they have to law enforcement? It’s simple.

• When the intermediary and the principal party do not reach an agreement, the livestock agent in law enforcement comes in to keep the peace.
• Additionally, their duty includes investigating and apprehending individuals involved in white-collar fraud within the agricultural sector.
• Furthermore, when farm animals go missing or stolen, they assume the role of locating the owners of these animals.

In Nevada, USA, people commonly know these law enforcement livestock agents as cattle police.

• In addition to carrying firearms, they also possess other skills. They have extensive agricultural experience and are known for their basic veterinary abilities to assist injured farm animals.
• They primarily patrol the roads, keeping a vigilant eye on distressed agricultural animals.

Qualifications for Becoming a Livestock Agent

Requirements may vary for becoming a livestock commissioner or agent in different locations. However, here’s a summary of the essential qualifications for applying to become a livestock agent in law enforcement.

1. Must Possess a Driver’s License – Highly significant to perform their jobs and protect public safety.
2. Must Maintain Physical Fitness and Excellent Health – essential in effectively carrying out their responsibilities.
3. Citizenship- All candidates for this position must hold U.S. citizenship.
4. Age Requirement – Candidates for livestock law enforcement agents can apply at 18, although the ideal hiring age is 19.
5. Must be knowledgeable about Firearms – The prerequisite for agricultural police officers is to be proficient in carrying guns and have mandatory maintenance.

Furthermore, livestock agents in law enforcement should demonstrate proficiency in various areas and disciplines, which include:

1. Criminal Complaints Legal Procedures
2. Methods of Investigation
3. Techniques of Criminal Investigation
4. Evidence Gathering and Preservation
5. Search, Seizure, and Arrest Laws
6. Know agricultural and livestock products laws, policies, and practices.

Conclusion

We now have a thorough awareness of what is a livestock agent law enforcement, and we now have an in-depth understanding of their tasks and an overview of their requirements to join farm police.

While we typically associate law enforcement with maintaining safety and security, this article provides insight into another facet of law enforcement.

They also play a safe call in safeguarding our friends and livelihoods connected with the agricultural industry.

Aside from their patrolling and law enforcement duties, they also possess extensive knowledge about livestock and basic veterinary skills. This knowledge equips them to provide valuable assistance in agriculture.