The paper explores debates around the increasing role of the third sector in the delivery of mainstream criminal justice services, in the context of a broader ‘marketization’ of public services and a growing private sector presence. It is illustrated by brief discussions of the advent of police and crime commissioners, competitive commissioning of probation services, and the spread of payment by results. It is argued that, while superficially attractive, such developments are unproven in terms of effectiveness, raise questions about principles of justice, and contain risks for all parties concerned. It is therefore unwise to plunge much further down this route without careful piloting, evaluation and assessment of possible negative consequences.
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