Risk it Out, Risk it Out: Occupational Risk in Rural and Remote Policing

• In Event: Issues with Police Tactics and Techniques

Abstract

Policing is widely recognized as a ‘high-risk occupation.’ Researchers have found that officers’ experience varied forms of occupational stress as well as work-related health and safety risks. Risk however, we argue, changes shape in rural and remote areas as, for example, officers may not be able to call for backup in places without cellular reception and they must navigate inclement weather on rural roads and police vast geographical areas. Risk then, although the result of institutional and organizational structures, must be re-contextualized in the rural context. In the current study, we contextualize understandings of risk, which we operationalize as a lack of safety shaped by either a physical, administrative, legal or emotional feeling of vulnerability—or a combination of such—that results from occupational experiences. We draw on data from 14 focus groups with over 45 officers across ranks to reveal what they view as risky in their occupational role (e.g., practices, human and material resource strain), and break down these activities to show how they understand and contextualize risk. Finally, we focus on how the risk of their occupation shapes their occupational role and well-being. Theories of ‘risk society’ and everyday risk frame our findings and policy implications are presented.

Authors

• Rose Ricciardelli, Memorial University

• Nicole Power, Memorial University of Newfoundland