It has taken many years for rural criminology to be recognised as a distinct area of research, but a groundbreaking international encyclopedia comprehensively explaining the field and its unique issues is a clear indicator of how far it has come.
The Encyclopedia of Rural Crime, contributed to by 80 specialists around the world and led by UNE rural criminologist Dr Alistair Harkness, is the latest – and perhaps most important – in a string of influential publications that have helped put rural criminology on the radar in the last decade.
“There are a growing number of books that deal with aspects of rural criminology in particular contexts, but this is a one-stop-shop snapshot of anything and everything in the field, for anyone who may be interested – from students and researchers, to practitioners looking to improve things for rural communities,” Dr Harkness said.
We hope this landmark book will further help highlight the issues and challenges faced in rural communities, to continue to attract resources, effort and innovation for the benefit of rural people and places.
The idea for the encyclopedia came about when at a criminology conference in Germany in 2016, Dr Harkness was disappointed to find the Dictionary of Criminology did not contain an entry for rural criminology. And despite winning a competition to have it included, neither did the next edition.
Determined to turn things around, Dr Harkness has been able to make his vision for a topical encyclopedia a reality with the help of the Centre for Rural Criminology at UNE, which he co-directs with Dr Kyle Mulrooney.
“The Centre for Rural Criminology has helped bring disparate, interested researchers, students and practitioners in the field into a strong, productive, international network, making it possible to draw together research and bring attention to the impact of rurality on crime and justice, including for this unique book,” Dr Harkness said.
In 85 entries, the book covers some better recognised rural issues like farm crime, hunting and trespassing to lesser known issues like rural aspects to hate crime, extremism and tourism crimes. It explores the unique challenges rural communities are faced with when it comes to reporting crime, interacting with justice system processes and accessing support services.
“As well as bringing together new, exciting perspectives on issues in rural crime, many of the entries also clearly and carefully set out recommendations for what might need to change,” Dr Harkness said. “This ensures the publication is pitched to practitioners such as in law enforcement and not-for-profit agencies, opening their eyes to range of issues that affect their communities.
“We hope this landmark book will further help highlight the issues and challenges faced in rural communities, to continue to attract resources, effort and innovation for the benefit of rural people and places.”
The Encyclopedia of Rural Crime is edited by Alistair Harkness, Jessica Rene Peterson (UNE Adjunct), Matt Bowden (UNE Adjunct), Cassie Pedersen and Joseph F. Donnermeyer (UNE Adjunct). It is available for purchase here.
