Rural Policing: Analyzing Supportive Behavior in Juvenile Interactions

• In Event: Police-Community Relations in A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

In an effort to better understand police use of support in juvenile interactions, the current study relies on quantitative and qualitative data from officers working in a rural community. Using a comprehensive model, which includes situational factors, officer characteristics, organizational factors, and neighborhood characteristics, this study examines the decision of police to engage in supportive behaviors such as offering verbal assistance, physical assistance, sympathy, and mediation. Major findings of this study include that significant predictors of support are among three of the four domains of factors (situational, officer, and organizational characteristics). Major policy implications discussed include improved community resources, better education for officers on community resources, more training, and better agency communication. Limitations of the current study, such as the self-reported data used for the dependent variable, sample size, and generalizability of the research findings, are also provided.

Author

• Sherry Lynn Skaggs, University of Central Arkansas