"Racism and Anti-Racism in Probation" analyzes the complex processes through which black people are differentially treated by the probation service. Focusing on the use of "language" in probation practice, David Denney shows how subjective judgements made by probation officers can be given a quasi-scientific quality within the criminal justice system and are often used to justify sentencing practice. In particular, the underlying assumptions and perceptions of probation officers in relation to race are crucial in understanding the nature of the service offered to black offenders. Drawing on ethnographic material as well as his own wide experience of probation work, David Denney demonstrates how probation officers exercise power in a subjective manner, through judgements given verbally to the courts and written reports. The process through which these are constructed and transmitted in a form acceptable to sentencers has a fictional quality, with clearly framed linguistic entrances, exits and interventions, all governed by a code of esoteric conventions unknown to the offender.

"Racism and Anti-Racism in Probation" analyzes the complex processes through which black people are differentially treated by the probation service. Focusing on the use of "language" in probation practice, David Denney shows how subjective judgements made by probation officers can be given a quasi-scientific quality within the criminal justice system and are often used to justify sentencing practice. In particular, the underlying assumptions and perceptions of probation officers in relation to race are crucial in understanding the nature of the service offered to black offenders. Drawing on ethnographic material as well as his own wide experience of probation work, David Denney demonstrates how probation officers exercise power in a subjective manner, through judgements given verbally to the courts and written reports. The process through which these are constructed and transmitted in a form acceptable to sentencers has a fictional quality, with clearly framed linguistic entrances, exits and interventions, all governed by a code of esoteric conventions unknown to the offender.

.,."this is a very good book - an easy and informative read on a topic of immense complexity and very enjoyable. The layout is excellent, with clear headings, a useful three-part structure and good-quality print. ...This book will undoubtedly find its market niche and become a 'good risk read'." - "British Journal of Social Work 36 (3) 2006

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What does it mean to live in risk society'?

How does the idea of risk change how we live with each other?

Risk currently dominates individual and collective consciousness. Globally, insecurity is related to terrorism, pollution, global epidemics and famine, yet smoking, sunlight and travel have also become major preoccupations.

This book provides a powerful and lucid account of risk in society today. Denney critically examines the social construction of risk, by considering a range of social theories, addressing the literature and providing an authoritative guide to the key issues raised.

An analysis of the nature of risk to aspects of everyday life - of the meanings which have been assigned to notions of risk - is also considered. Finally, global themes such as terrorism, global regulation governance and developments in international relations are examined.

This book will be required reading for students of risk within the fields of Sociology, International Relations and Media, Culture and Communications.

In this book, David Denney introduces some of the fundamental debates which link social work to social policy. Relevant to undergraduate students and researchers of social policy and social work , as well as professionals in related areas, this book enables the reader to develop a critical understanding of how social policy is related to social work both practically and theoretically. This is the only text of its kind which encourages and assists social workers in understanding recent developments in social policy. Throughout the book the centrality of linking theory to practice is emphasized. Chapters cover issues surrounding older people, disability, mental health, community care, working with offenders, children, the family, antiracism and social work. The book is equipped with further learning aids: All chapters contain a summary of the main points at the beginning, exercises and guided reading.