This article takes an historical perspective, drawing on personal practice in the 1970s and 1980s, research and consultancy in the 1990s and 2000s, in exploring a long history of probation engagement with their local communities. That this history has never been fully embedded in every practitioner’s everyday practice, and indeed it could be said is no longer seen as axiomatic that probation should be so engaged, will be dissected and analysed. It will be suggested that recent practice focusing more on risk management and public protection has potentially alienated practitioners from the communities they serve. This article concludes with suggestions as to how probation practitioners can re-engage with their community, drawing on recent theoretical and policy developments in partnerships, community and restorative justice and theories of desistance.
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