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VIOLENT CRIME AND DRUG ABUSE IN RURAL AREAS: ISSUES, CONCERNS, AND PROGRAMS

NCJ Number
144388
Date Published
1993
Length
82 pages
Annotation
This report describes the issues and problems discussed at a February 1993 workshop conducted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and attended by 54 participants from 22 States to discuss exemplary violent crime and drug control programs in rural areas.
Abstract
Issues and problems discussed at the workshop included the characteristics of rural areas, the unique challenges faced by rural communities, and the programs that address rural violent crime and drug abuse. The participants focused on rural areas rather than rural States. Challenges for rural law enforcement agencies include longer hours, fewer opportunities for training, the need for cross-training, personal relationships with constituents, larger areas to cover with fewer people, less equipment and support, and a high turnover rate. Urban areas experience more crimes such as drive-by shootings, homicide, prostitution, and burglaries, while rural areas experience more crimes such as domestic violence, driving while intoxicated, check fraud, and juvenile delinquency. Measures needed to address the increasing crime problems in rural areas include a comprehensive rural law enforcement management and training plan, acknowledgment of successful models and programs, and a study of economic and social factors contributing to rural crime and the lack of rural law enforcement education and training. A survey of local prosecutors indicated the need for programs and strategies that focus on four emerging crime areas: juvenile delinquency, violent crime, environmental offenses, and property crime. Rural communities can compensate for the shortage of funding, expertise, and personnel by pooling resources and coordinating efforts to address problems that are too complex for a single community to resolve on its own. Program descriptions, contact information, and addresses of workshop participants