Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is based on an empirical study carried out in 2005 and 2006 which investigated how the developments influenced policy and practice at strategic, management and practitioner levels, though concentrating principally on the responses of practitioners. It reviews in more detail the literature around broad changes to wider society in terms of increasing insecurity and fear of crime and criminals and to the criminal justice system as it pertains to the probation service. The book examines the attitudes, values and beliefs of primarily practitioners, but also trainees and middle managers, towards various aspects of the work and purposes of the service. It also examines practice in the area of offender assessment, the enforcement of community orders and post-custody licences and supervision.