Small Towns, Big Problems: Exploring Crimes and Challenges of Rural Law Enforcement

Abstract

This poster examines varying types of rural crime and the challenges faced by rural law enforcement in Oklahoma. Data were gathered through in-person interviews with rural law enforcement personnel, a survey of attendees at a rural crime training session, and an internet survey of statewide law enforcement organizations. Ranging from cattle theft to stolen farming equipment, rural law enforcement must work unique crimes with dwindling resources. With the livelihood of hard-working individuals at stake, the research presented stands as a testament for the necessity of understanding rural crime.