Unique challenges faced by rural police officers: A scoping review and thematic analysis

Rural police officers work in environments that can be described as isolated and remote. Because of this, the experiences that they have and challenges that they face are different to those of metropolitan based officers. This research aimed to identify and organize the relevant empirical studies exploring the challenges faced by rural police officers. A thematic analysis of the 17 included papers identified patterns of unique challenges created by the rural environment, local communities, and relationships with police structures. These challenges impact on both the work life and the ‘off-shift’ life of the rural officers. From these, future solutions can be identified.