ABSTRACT
Differences exist between how rural and urban criminal justice systems operate. This chapter lays out many of these differences through the lens of a rural criminal justice researcher. Explanations of different rural definitions and distinctions between rural police, courts, and corrections systems are outlined. In addition, a survey was developed and disseminated to rural criminal justice researchers, inquiring as to their experience gaining access, barriers encountered, methodology used, perceived differences working with rural vs urban criminal justice entities, and advice they would give to aspiring rural criminal justice researchers. A total of 22 respondents provided enlightening advice that will serve future rural criminal justice researchers well as they plan future projects.
