Diversity in Community Justice: Some Personal Reflections

Abstract

Community justice is increasingly under the spotlight, both in its own right and as part of the solution to overcrowded prisons. The re-offending rate is a measurement of success or failure that is binding on both the prison and probation services. To gain public confidence that community penalties are a satisfactory alternative to imprisonment they must be seen to be free of discrimination and to acknowledge diversity. The author considers how this can be achieved in the prison system, and highlights lessons for the probation service.