A Phitosophy of Reconciliation
| Author | David Mathieson |
| DOI | 10.1177/026455057602300303 |
| Date | 01 September 1976 |
| Published date | 01 September 1976 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
probation officers alike is that probation supervision is a realistic
therapeutic relationship. At a time when the probation order is on the
decline statistically, this is a vital message which could reawaken interest
in this particular and original way of dealing with offenders.
Since leaving the Probation Service in 1965, Mark Monger .has been
teaching social work method at Leicester University-and his text books
are well known in the Service. He has just completed a period of study
leave which enabled him to spend . eight months working as a part-time
acting probation officer. In his article, he gives some account of his
impressions of the Service after ten years away from the field. In
addition to challenging other academics to come out of their ivory towers
for a while, this fascinating piece of observation may also encourage
readers to examine the benefits and disadvantages of changes over the
past decade. Mark stresses that he puts his views at our invitation!
.
The chaiman of NAPO, Murray Bruggen, contrasts the early christian
amateurism of the Police Court Missionary with the generic profes-
sionalism of many of today’s probation officers,. Perhaps the courts would
still prefer the amateur in some instances, but the Service must strive to
use its undoubted professional skills in achieving its purpose of the
harmonious integration of all elements of society. The Service must also
respect other professions with whom it works.
Martin Davies has a thorough background of experience and research
in the Probation and After-Care Service and is now Director of the
Social Work Programme at East Anglia University. In his article, he
highlights the widening gulf which many people feel between the &dquo;large
occupational structure&dquo; of the Service and the performance of the main
grade officer. From a CPO’s point of view, the Service is buoyant and
forward-looking; however, probation officers tend to feel overwhelmed
by change. These dilemmas can be resolved if...
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