Probation and Politics

This book is a collection of essays by a unique group of authors about the political destruction ofthe 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 addressthe history of probation, its underlying values and working methods, and the way it has beensystematically dismantled by successive political administrations. The book offers essential readingfor those interested in broadening their understanding of the probation service and its vital role inrehabilitation. In addition it makes a compelling case for the reinstatement of an evidence-basedprobation service as the primary criminal justice agency concerned with helping people who comebefore the courts to become contributing citizens. A lively and engrossing read, it is destined tobe invaluable to policy makers, social science theorists and commentators, as well as scholars ofcriminology and the justice system, and all those who work in it.