RURAL CRIME AND RURAL POLICING PRACTICES (MULTI CULTURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT)

2 Crime and police practices vary from one community to another i.e. city to city and county to county. The study of rural crime and rural police practices can provide insight into police behavior in different communities. Many of the studies regarding police practices have been conducted in urban areas. Research related to rural policing practices and crime is limited, however current trends indicate that crimes that were once deemed urban specific are now becoming issues in rural communities. It is safe to say that rural communities differ from urban communities regarding police practices and crime. Therefore it is important to understand the differences and similarities between rural and urban policing practices and crime. However in light of the limited research conducted it is imperative that we understand how rural crime and rural justice vary across rural communities. The results of the research related to rural policing and crime revealed contradictions that need to be explained. Some of the studies indicated that homicide is higher in rural areas, whereas others note the opposite. It is not clear if th