Tara Fenwick, Richard Dockrell & Bonnie Slade ProPEL, University of Stirling RURAL POLICING Understanding Police Knowledge and Practice in Rural Communities

the context Geographic barriers – distance, mountains, weather, sea Isolation Extreme variations in geographic and socio- cultural regions Mandatory transfer policy

Identify unique challenges of policing practice and knowledge in rural Scotland Explore present responses to these challenges (skills, practices, resources, leadership) Suggest implications for work arrangements and leadership to support professional learning the aims

what we did … Qualitative research study with 34 participants: 11 interviews, 6 focus groups face-to-face, skype, telephone 31 men, 3 women Chief Constable (1), Deputy Chief Constable (1), Chief Superintendent (1), Superintendent (1), Chief Inspector (2), Inspector (10), Sergeant (3), Constable (14), Probationer (1) Almost 400 years combined experience across all 8 Area Commands of Northern

Interview Questions Nature of rural policing most important aspects of policing in Northern – the things that have the greatest impact? differences between rural communities in Northern and how do these differences impact on policing? Nature of criminality and challenges of police work in rural areas the pattern and nature of crime impactful police initiatives to reduce and prevent crime the most difficult challenges to policing in rural areas Management in rural policing recruitment and training management style, supervision and leadership level of autonomy in managing police services challenges for managing and supervising rural police work best approaches to training and management development for rural police work

Rural policing as community engagement the role of policing a rural environment - strict law enforcer, mediator and social service provider the relationship between the police and community in this area the style of policing in Northern Constabulary community engagement and influence relationship with the communities – building trust and confidence the most important social and economic changes being experienced by rural communities Relationship between the police service and other community agencies the forms of policing that have the greatest impact on the community and best addresses community problems? Rural policing – towards the future Developments over the next four or five years and how the role of rural policing might change Interview Questions

community variances not one but many ruralities distinct communities with different ways of working with police must learn immediate cultural adaptation must learn in a fishbowl There is a delusion that its going to be some sort of Hamish McBeth lifestyle, youre going to be living in a wee village with your Scottie dog, youre going to be out on the push bike round the village saying hello to the baker and the minister, but the reality is – well its not the reality at all.

primary role = mediator legitimacy in community balanced with accountability to police standards on call 24/7 importance of responding to the mundane personal safety you have to learn how to use your tongue and always know that theres going to be another day community negotiations

playing the long game in everyday moments gauge the community – trust, trust, trust educate the community about police role inter-professional work bottom-up [inter- operability] – working out boundaries, roles You can get support from the coast guard and from the military we have used that in the past. Well there is a lot of informality to it, but again it goes back to relationship building, but there are formal processes. learning the long lasting fix

being in or of the community constant visibility no hiding place, no down time on/off duty blurred family is implicated in duty simultaneous outsider / insider and just when youre settled … One of the strengths for us, and because of the geography it cant be any other way, is that our officers still live and work within their local community.. we are embedded within the communities across the force area

inventive knowings strategic work-arounds to stretch resources and solve problems Its covering a 12 foot room with an 8 foot carpet

Strategies to stretch resources splitting self/stopping time deputize others reframe situation symbolic material gestures what works

Community variances Community negotiations Learning the lasting fix Being in or of the community The themes There isnt just one policing style, a small rural police force, within it there are significant differences in policing style and policing approaches

1.What is new or surprising in these findings? 2.What could the public be made more aware of? 3.What practices could be more encouraged and supported? 4.What are implications for assessment and reporting of police activity? Questions for you to consider