The aim of this study is to understand changes in the
criminal justice system and their effects on policy and practice
within the probation service In England and Wales. Towards this
aim it utilises the techniques of participant observation,
interviews, documentary research and an extensive self-completion
questionnaire.
The study proceeds by examining the history and politics of
the Service and the relationship of these to changes in internal
policy and occupational practice. More specifically, it then
considers the responses of one probation area. Therefore, the
study does not separate the issue of environmental effects on an
organisation and how that has consequences for policy and practice
within the Service.
Within the Treen policy process, an 'implementation gap' is
found to exist between probation management (ACPO and above) and
the front-line (probation officers and ancillaries). However, the
study goes further by examining the issues of autonomy and
accountability of probation staff in relation to the organisation
itself , as well as other groups and agencies. Further, alterations
in the roles of personnel are examined in relation to the changes
which policy implies. Again, significant differences are found to
exist between the two groups of staff mentioned above. In order to
further understand these differences, the study then examines
‘everyday work’ and finds that discretion is a necessary feature
for managing and controlling a probation work setting . In the
process, the issue of the compatability of policy and practice is
raised and found to be wanting.
Utilising a model developed in chapter 2, the study then
seeks to understand these tensions as stemming from the 'politics'
of the ‘alternatives to custody industry’ with its emphasis on
central control and punishment; a philosophy at odds with the
Service's traditional humanitarian concerns. The study finds in
the nature of policy, a need for both both uniformity and
predictability in probation work. However, the working environment
is found to be neither uniform nor predictable, with front-line
personnel also firmly believing that they need discretion in order
to exercise their duties effectively. Finally, from a further
understanding of this 'politics of probation', the study finishes
with beliefs on the future development of the Service
