This book explores the politics of modernisation and transformation of probation in the criminal justice system. It draws upon innovative social theories and moral perspectives to analyse changes in the probation service and makes a timely contribution to criminal justice and probation theory.

Philip Whitehead is Professor in Criminal and Social Justice at the University of Teesside. After studying theology at Manchester University and later qualifying as a social worker/probation officer at Lancaster University, Philip worked for the Probation Service in the North East of England before being appointed lecturer at Teesside University. He has written widely on the history and modernisation of the probation service, co-edited a collection of papers on managerial issues, and co-authored a book on the education of Trainee Probation Officers. His recent books are Organising Neoliberalism: markets, privatisation and justice (Anthem Press 2012), and Reconceptualising the moral economy of criminal justice: a new perspective (Palgrave 2015).