Probation and Politics - Academic Reflections from Former Practitioners

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.

Maurice Vanstone worked in the probation service for 27 years and is currently Emeritus Professor of Criminology at Swansea University, Wales. His research and writing has focused mainly on probation-related topics, in particular, the effectiveness of community sentences, and the history of probation.

Philip Priestley has been a probation officer and academic. He helped pioneer services to victims, mediation, and probation day-centres as alternatives to prison. Has written on prison history, and developed cognitive-behavioural programmes, shown to reduce re-offending by up to 25%; which have been used in five countries.