Political interference in the probation service has been happening for a long time, according to Anthony Goodman, a professor of community justice at Middlesex University. He states that problems in community justice, including overcrowded prisons and probation issues, show little sign of abating.
Goodman, who previously worked as a prison probation officer and in an aftercare and resettlement unit, observed good practice where staff visited prisons and established links with community organisations. However, a 1984 government "statement of national objectives and priorities" reportedly made work with prisoners low-profile, leading to the closure of aftercare units a few years later.
Since then, probation officers have reportedly lost autonomy and the opportunity to get to know the people they supervise. Risk has become the driving force, which Goodman states has resulted in a high rate of offenders breaching licence conditions and returning to prison.