Probation Journal

Publisher:: Sage Publications, Inc.
Publication date:: 2021-09-06

ISBN:: 0264-5505

Issue Number

No. 71-1, March 2024

Latest documents

Gender rules in the community corrections context: Examining how case managers navigate trans client supervision in a binary setting
This article explores one US residential community corrections facility and the ways that case managers navigate working with transgender women under supervision in a facility that relies on the sex binary for housing placement. Similar to other research on this population in prisons that has been conducted both within and outside of the US context, we find that case managers contend with significant uncertainty in their work with these clients because of a lack of specific and formal training. To contend with that uncertainty, case managers reported relying on Gender Responsive Training and the Prison Rape Elimination Act to guide their understanding of and work with trans clients. However, we also found a great deal of discretion in the ways case managers managed programming for their trans clients that disrupted the gendered organization of the facility. We conclude with specific programmatic recommendations based on these findings.
Probation service Identity crisis
Book review: The Good Prison Officer – Inside Perspectives
‘Once a finger is pointed at you, that part of you has gone’: The completion of Horizon programme in the community and carceral citizenship for men with sexual convictions
This study presents an analysis of the experiences of 15 men convicted of sexual offences, from England and Wales, who have completed the Horizon treatment programme in the community, facilitated by The Probation Service. We found that whilst men felt initially coerced into the programme, finishing the programme was experienced as a significant loss of support. Beyond the programme, the men described the constraints on their citizenship, difficulty accessing support, and rejection in society due to their offence. We conclude by discussing the limitations of personal rehabilitation, the need for social rehabilitation, including tailored support beyond the programme, the importance of user voice and a ‘community integration paradox’.
The versatility and tightness of electronic monitoring: A comparative perspective between Spain and Belgium
Despite the fact that the use of electronic monitoring systems has grown across Europe and within each jurisdiction, comparative research on the matter is scarce. Previous studies have highlighted two relevant aspects. On one hand, the versatility of the measure, in the sense that different (even contradictory) objectives and functions can be attributed to it. On the other hand, the difficulty in measuring and comparing the intensity of its use in different countries. For these reasons, this work aims to compare the areas of implementation of electronic monitoring in two different countries: Spain and Belgium. By looking at the different uses of the measure, the objective is to demonstrate the premise electronic monitoring fits in various phases of the criminal proceeding. Moreover, the research also compares the punitiveness of the measure in both countries by making use of the elements highlighted by Hucklesby et al.. The findings show the difficulty of drawing definitive conclusions about its punitiveness mainly due to the adaptability of electronic monitoring.
In court
Contemporary probation practice: Some reflections on social class
The role that social class plays within the desistance journeys of individuals on probation is largely unexplored. This lack of understanding is acknowledged as a limitation within theorising around desistance processes. It also prompts questions as to the awareness of class and classism issues amongst probation staff and their practice approaches within this difficult area of professional application. This reflective paper offers some discussion areas in which probation staff can collectively consider their experiences within this field, as well as those under their supervision. It is suggested that this topic requires greater attention amongst all involved in providing probation services.
Not “proper” foreign national prisoners: Irish ex-prisoner reflections on imprisonment in England and Wales
Irish prisoners are one of the oldest minority groups and one of the most represented foreign national groups in the prison system, yet little is known about their experiences of imprisonment in England and Wales. This article presents findings from 29 semi-structured interviews with Irish ex-prisoners who were asked to reflect on their time in prison in England and Wales. It utilises Ugelvik and Damsa’s findings on foreign national prisoner experiences in Norway as related to discrimination, long-distance relationships, and deportability as a point of analysis. This paper shows that Irish prisoners suffer the pains of discrimination through racism, bullying, and discrimination from prisoners and prison officers, and there are concerns over mistreatment by prison officers who are ex-military. There are also difficulties associated with family contact. As Irish prisoners are not subject to deportation, except in the most exceptional circumstances, and since there is no language barrier, this paper suggests that Irish prisoners might not seen as “proper” foreign nationals in the prison system. This may result in Irish prisoners being somewhat invisible in the prison system in England and Wales and in some cases having their nationality and national identity denied.
“You have to be really careful, in this environment, of what you say and what you do”: A qualitative examination of how organizational culture shapes parole officers' work and well-being
Drawing on existing literature on organizational culture in correctional work, in the current article we augment scholarship on community correctional services, specifically parole work, by considering how organizational culture, as narrated by frontline parole officers, impacts parole officers” feelings toward their work and their own health and well-being. Using the insights gained from 150 qualitative interviews with parole officers across Canada, we empirically show how participants described organizational culture as (1) imbued with social networks and hierarchies and (2) inherently reactive. We then provide insight into their perceived relationships with management. Participants explained they largely felt uncomfortable voicing concerns or making suggestions for improvements, in addition to feeling their work did not receive the respect and appreciation it deserved. We draw attention to the implications of perceptions on parole officers' feelings toward their job and sense of self, as well as the potential impact of organizational culture on parole officers' feelings of safety and emotional well-being on the job.
Book review: Gender, Power and Restorative Justice: A Feminist Critique