Waveland Press - Ralph A. Weisheit, David N. Falcone, L. Edward Wells

While most researchers see the urban setting as being the only laboratory for studying crime problems throughout the United States, Crime and Policing in Rural and Small-Town America directly challenges this notion with an authoritative look at crime and the criminal justice system in rural America today. The assumption that rural crime is rare and comparable across various communities has led to incompatible theories and irrelevant practices. In order to transform this misconstruction, the Third Edition offers a clear outline of the definition of rural and provides a vital argument for why rural and small-town crime should be studied more than it is. The book also explores the individual nature of issues that emerge in these communities, including illegal drug production, domestic violence, agricultural crimes, rural poverty, and gangs, in addition to the training needs of rural police, probation in rural areas, and rural jails and prisons.

Responding to rural crime requires an awareness of its context and how justice is carried out, as well as an appreciation of how features vary across rural areas. Understanding the relationships among crime, geography, and culture in the rural setting can reveal useful ideas and implications for crime and justice in communities across the United States.

“If anyone is looking for the definite book on small-town and rural policing, this is the one to have. The latest edition continues to integrate the research in this small, but growing area of criminal justice research” —Willard M. Oliver, Sam Houston State University

“This is an important book that provides much-needed understanding in a sorely neglected area of policing.” —Mark Pogrebin, University of Colorado

“It is clearly written and down to earth. We are using this book in our Police Academy and our instructors say it is the best book they have seen in this area.” —Rosie Gomez, University of Texas, Brownsville

“Certainly a must book for those who are interested in rural crime and delinquency. It is well informed, balanced, and well written. Both students and instructors will richly benefit from it.” —Theodore N. Ferdinand, Southern Illinois University

“Excellent insight into issues that confront the rural community.” —John Campbell, St. Cloud State University

“Outstanding source on a largely neglected topic. Clearly written and engaging—perfect for college students. I particularly value the different sections looking at policing and other aspects of the criminal justice system. I highly recommend this work.” —Robert Engvall, Mount Mercy College

“Because about 90 percent of local policing in America is carried out in small towns and rural areas, the text is an essential supplement to law enforcement courses.” —E. J. Williams, Fayetteville State University

1. Why Rural Matters
Rural Is Important in Itself / Immediate Implications for Urban Areas / Implications for Research / Implications for Theory / Implications for Policy / Why Has Rural Been Under Studied? / Summary

2. The Rural Setting of Crime and Justice
Geographic Isolation / Availability of Guns / Economic Factors / Race and Ethnicity / Social Climate / Summary

3. Rural and Small-Town Crime
Fear of Crime / Rural versus Urban Crime / Trends in Rural Crime / Special Issues / Summary

4. Rural and Small-Town Police
Who Are Rural Police? / Sheriffs versus Municipal Police / Federal, State, and Local Cooperation / Agency Size / The Effectiveness of Rural Agencies / Styles of Policing in Rural Areas / Community Policing / Excessive Force and Police Corruption / Special Problems / Survey of Rural Police Needs / Summary

5. Other Parts of the System
The Practice of Law / Prosecutors / Rural Courts / Probation / Rural Jails / Prisons / Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Treatment / Summary

6. Where Do We Go from Here?
Broad Issues / Special Topics / Summary