Probation: cutting through the silt

Abstract

Few reasonably well informed observers of penal policy could at the close of 2002 have been unaware that our prison system stands on the edge of yet another crisis. A record population, in excess of 72,000, and rising. Police cells being used for Home Office prisoners once again. The delivery of offending behaviour programmes disrupted because of the need practically to manage the excess prisoners within the available estate. A major disturbance and loss of accommodation at Lincoln Prison. The number of recorded suicides higher than ever.