This book provides the most accessible and up-to-date account of the origins and development of the Probation Service in England and Wales, from its origins in the nineteenth century up to the plans for the service outlined by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat government.

1. Introduction 2. Origins 3. The First Decade 4. Consolidation 5. 'A Major Part of our Penal System'? 6. 1950-1962 - A Golden Age? 7. From Morison to Martinson, 1962-1974 8. Alternatives to Custody 9. The End of the Road? 10. Concluding Reflections

George Mair has been Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Law, Liverpool John Moores University since 1995. Previously, he was Principal Research Officer in the Home Office Research and Planning Unit. He is a leading authority on community penalties and has published widely on this topic. He was a member of the Merseyside Probation Board, 2001-2007.

Lol Burke is Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice, Liverpool John Moores University. He has worked as a Probation Officer and a Senior Probation Officer. He was involved in the delivery of probation training prior to his appointment at LJMU. He is editor of the Probation Journal.