Criminology has until recently neglected the nature and levels of crime outside the urban realm. This is not a surprise as crime tends to concentrate in urban areas and the police directs resources where the problems are. Yet, there are many reasons why scholars, decision-makers and society as a whole should care about crime and safety in rural areas. This book highlights 20 reasons why crime and safety in rural areas is a topic of relevance. We attempt to untangle currently simplistic views of the rural by discussing a number of facets of the countryside as both safe and criminogenic, and more importantly, a hybrid place worth to be examined in its own right. We adopt the notion of a rural-urban continuum that captures the nuances of places of varied nature, spanning from remote and desolate spaces to accessible and connected environments of the urban fringe. Areas on the rural-urban continuum may be in constant transformation given local and global influences, which imposes challenges for policing and long-term social sustainability. Then, the book critically reviews a rich body of English-language literature in rural criminology that extends over more than four decades--a scholarship that has engaged researchers and practitioners in all continents. The books finishes with a discussion of the emergent research questions of the field, and offers implications for practice and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

This revised and expanded third edition offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the criminal justice system of England and Wales. Starting with an overview of the main theories of the causes of crime, this book explores and discusses the operation of the main criminal justice agencies including the police, probation and prison services and the legal and youth justice systems. This book offers a lively and critical discussion of some of the main themes in criminal justice, from policy-making and crime control to diversity and discrimination to the global dimensions of criminal justice, including organized crime and the role of the EU. Key updates to this new edition include: increased discussion of the measurement, prevention and detection of crime; a revised chapter on the police which discusses the principle of policing by consent, police methods, power and governance as well as the abuse of power; further discussion of pressing contemporary issues in criminal justice, such as privatization, multi-agency working and community-based criminal justice policy; a brand new chapter on victims of crime, key developments in criminal justice policy, and the response of the criminal justice system. This accessible text is essential reading for students taking introductory courses in criminology and criminal justice. A wide range of useful features includes review questions, lists of further reading, timelines of key events and a glossary of key terms.

A broad and comprehensive guide to the study of criminology and criminal justice at undergraduate level, this book is essential reading for new students. Assuming no prior knowledge, it offers an essential overview to key themes and issues, brings together theory with practice, and provides useful hints and suggestions for developing the skills required to see you on your way throughout your degree. Features of the book include: A detailed discussion of the study of criminology and criminal justice in Higher Education, An overview of theories of crime and deviance, A discussion as to why and how we punish offenders, An exploration of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, A guide to criminological research and the methods and concepts involved, Examples of original sources in criminology, including key websites, Tips and advice on skills in criminology and criminal justice, including referencing and the presentation of written work, A full glossary of key terms. The new edition has been fully revised and updated and includes a new chapter on theories and explanations of punishment. Each chapter includes a series of 'Taking It Further' exercises to encourage well-developed essays and critical thinking. They culminate in a final chapter offering guidelines as to how these exercises might be answered. This book is indispensable for the criminology undergraduate and a benchmark for academic success.