Rural Law Enforcement
In the Rural Law Enforcement section you’ll find news reports and expert articles about what it means to be a police officer in rural America.
Rural police departments face unique challenges like understaffing and tight budgets. Discover how contracting services with neighboring communities offers a solution to enhance public safety without breaking the bank
The lack of mental health support in small law enforcement departments can lead to long-term issues for officers and their families — it’s time for a cultural change to address these challenges head-on
Tradition and local power keep 18,000 police agencies alive, but small departments are collapsing under financial strain. It’s time to talk about bold solutions that could fix the system, and improve both officer and community safety
Deputy Eddy Luna’s brother, who is also a cop, applied a tourniquet at the scene
A lot can go down when backup is two hours away
The tribe’s checkpoint rules say non-residents driving non-commercial out-of-state vehicles are never allowed through the reservation
Some of the reforms being proposed nationwide seem more like fantasy than realistic goals for rural law enforcement
Is it tribal officers or officers working for an agency that operates under state law who oversee investigations on reservation land when nontribal people are involved?
Deputy Stone was eating lunch alone when three teenagers handed him a note
It is likely that more than one officer will be involved in most critical incidents, which can cripple staffing in a small department
An armed resident was able to avert a possible mass shooting, but officials are now weighing the benefits of village police carrying firearms
From chief to CHP officer to game warden, female cops patrol some of the most rural spots in the nation
Of the 285 officers shot in 2019, nearly a quarter of them were policing towns with fewer than 11,000 people
Activist groups raised concerns about privacy violations, but officials say the information is being disseminated securely and in the name of keeping officers safe
Some sheriffs are refusing to enforce the order, while others are responding to violations with citations or an education-based approach.
Out of a series of conversations between the feds and rural cops comes a report detailing the dire issues facing those who police small-town America
Instead of using sick time or being placed on paid leave, officers would receive their full, regular pay
While policing in rural areas may lessen the risk of COVID-19 cases, agencies worry a single case of the virus would put whole departments out of commission
Residents can email the sheriff’s department and ask a deputy to check on vulnerable individuals who may not be entirely able to care for themselves
Rookie warden Austin Schumacher used old-school tracking skills to find and rescue a 13-year-old boy before a snowstorm struck
As all first responders gear up to respond to the impact of a global pandemic, rural and small agencies face significant challenges unique to their communities
Conservation officers can be an invaluable resource for police investigations
The initiative is a joint effort between federal and local law enforcement designed to increase public safety in indigenous communities
Rural cops routinely encounter violence related to anti-government sentiment
In this podcast segment, Jim and Doug discuss the shuttering of doors at police agencies, usually in smaller jurisdictions
‘Alaska PD’ highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in four Alaskan cities
After reading a news story about the challenges of rural policing in Alaska, Officer Peme Canas began collecting equipment and donations for one small town
You’re not competing with Piggly Wiggly or Burger King for applicants – you’re competing with every LE agency within reasonable commuting distance
The security cameras, monitored by civilians, are meant to complement the town’s diminished police presence
With some creative thinking, strategic writing and matching your needs to the grant agency’s purpose, you could be awarded funding to upgrade your department’s fleet
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