This book is a collection of essays by a unique group of authors about the political destruction of the probation service in England and Wales. All of them are probation officers turned academics, with a collective scholarly output that is both prodigious and distinguished. They address the history of probation, its underlying values and working methods, and the way it has been systematically dismantled by successive political administrations. The book offers essential reading for those interested in broadening their understanding of the probation service and its vital role in rehabilitation. In addition it makes a compelling case for the reinstatement of an evidence-based probation service as the primary criminal justice agency concerned with helping people who come before the courts to become contributing citizens. A lively and engrossing read, it is destined to be invaluable to policy makers, social science theorists and commentators, as well as scholars of criminology and the justice system, and all those who work in it.
Shadd Maruna, Dean of Law, Rutgers University.
'Important work. Fascinating idea for a book of essays. Great read.'
Nick Cohen, The Observer.
'Level-headed account of the ruin of a vital public service. The writers' cool contempt and determination to be accurate make it all the more damning.'
Martine Herzog-Evans, University of Reims, Law Faculty
'Very original collection. Raises essential questions - informative, enjoyable read.'
This book provides a rigorous examination into the causes and effects of the abolishment of probation within the justice system. Addressing a wide range of subjects, such as current and historical perceptions of probation, the political factors which brought about its diminishment, and the effects of its dissolution, this study offers essential reading for those interested in broadening their understanding of the probation service and its vital role in rehabilitation. In addition, the combined contributions provide a compelling case for the reinstatement of an evidence-based probation service as the primary criminal justice agency concerned with helping to rehabilitate those people who come before the courts. Written by a broad range of experts, this book is a lively and engrossing read, destined to be invaluable to policy makers, social science theorists and commentators, as well as scholars of criminology and the justice system.
"This volume provides a uniquely honest insight into the research that has been conducted in the field of probation over the last 40 years and thus serves as a valuable body of work that can be used by anyone, specialist or otherwise, to understand what probation is all about and what it might become." (Jake Phillips, The British Journal of Criminology, Vol. 59 (2), March, 2019)
