Kathleen Dias, 2025 Neal Award winner for best commentary, and 2023 Neal Award finalist, writes features and news analysis on topics of concern to law enforcement professionals serving in rural and remote locations. She uses her background in writing, teaching and marketing to advocate for professional levels of training and equipment for rural officers, open channels of communication for isolated departments, and dispel myths about rural policing. She’s had a front-row seat observing rural agencies — local, state and federal — from the Sierra foothills to California’s notorious Emerald Triangle, for more than 30 years.
Kathleen Dias
Policing the Remote and Rural
