Abstract
Much of the prior literature concerning police behavior has focused on the activities and citizen interactions of officers employed by large agencies located in urban jurisdictions. Using data collected through the systematic observation of police officers employed by small-town and rural agencies, the present study explores issues related to the work of police officers in smaller jurisdictions. Specifically, we present observational data that provides a detailed description of how these officers spend time on their shifts. In addition, observational data is used to identify the problems these officers confronted, as well as their relationship with the citizens they encountered. Similarities and differences between observed small-town and rural officers and their more urban counterparts are identified and discussed.
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Liederbach, J., Frank, J. Policing mayberry: The work routines of small-town and rural officers. Am J Crim Just 28, 53–72 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885752
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885752