“Because Being an AG Agent is Not What We Do, It’s What We Are”: Insights Into Specialized Rural Law Enforcement

• In Event: Advances in Rural Criminology: Policing in Rural Communities

Abstract

This paper presents insights into specialized law enforcement charged with policing rural areas and communities. Ethnographic field research was conducted with rural investigators in Oklahoma. Data were gathered through observation of a specialized rural investigations training class, and interviews with 5 special agents from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, & Forestry. Extensive ride alongs were conducted with 2 of the agents. Insights into unique rural crimes and the types of training and information needed to police these crimes will be discussed. Specific crimes including cattle rustling, timber theft, heavy equipment theft, and wildlife crime will be reviewed. The role of illicit drugs and cartel activity in rural areas will also be discussed.

Authors

• Melissa Inglis, University of Oklahoma

• Rashi K. Shukla, University of Central Oklahoma