ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the implications of the theoretical ideas on people–place relationships for prisoner reintegration policy. Policy initiatives implemented to tackle the problems of cities and pockets of deprivation within them often highlight the issue of urban crime, the governance of crime and local community safety. The chapter argues that a conceptual approach, broad and nuanced enough to assess 'criminal behaviour in context', should take into account individual criminal histories – past experiences, present situations and future prospects. It assesses the potential relationships between offenders and practitioners to support processes of rehabilitation and desistance. The report on social exclusion in England and Wales pays scant regard to the geographical location of offenders, or the extent to which it correlates to spatial patterns of social deprivation. Social policy must concentrate on developing what Sen has termed 'competencies', 'skills', 'capabilities' and 'functionings'.
