Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Grace Telesco

Abstract

The lack of empirical literature on rural crime limits the ability to fully understand the driving force behind criminality in nonmetropolitan areas. Predominantly urban theories such as social disorganization theory have been used as a general description for crime causation; however, most social disorganization research has been conducted in urban settings without reference to the mediating rural characteristics present. This simplified view of crime, which does not reflect existing variables within the areas studied, has weakened the ability to identify the most efficient and effective crime-control strategies. The research questions in this study addressed the need to understand how unique rural variables can be measured to understand rural crime rates. Using secondary data from 26 rural counties in New York State, the study explored the relationships among residential mobility, poverty, and index crime rates. There was a significant relationship between index crime rates and poverty, as well as index crime rates and residential mobility; however, when poverty and residential mobility were introduced together, there was no significant relationship with index crime rates. Overall, assuming that rural crime causation is definitively explained by theoretical frameworks based solely on urban crime research is a problem that needs further attention. Broadening the scope of theoretical explanations may enhance knowledge of how public policies can base crime-control initiatives on the unique characteristics and relationships present within rural regions. Understanding the complex nature of crime in less populated areas may help in identifying where resources are best allocated and how to enhance overall safety leading to positive change.

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