ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the most common changes experienced by probationers and the impact these had on their lives. It focuses on the role of the officer in helping to foster these sorts of changes and, in so doing, ‘brings together’ the analyses of motivation, probation supervision and changes in personal and social circumstances. All officers and probationers seen during the follow-up phases were asked to describe the ‘biggest single change in the probationer’s life’ since the previous interview. The descriptions obtained from officers and probationers of the latter’s gaining work, getting more stable work or being promoted at work illustrate some of these processes. Fieldnotes made after interviewing another probationer supported the idea that work not only occupied the probationer’s time, but also left some with little energy to do much else: He was very tired. He.
