Drawing on detailed ethnographic material, Denney presents a challenging analysis of the complex processes by which black people are treated differentially by probation services, and offers suggestions for improved probation practice.

All offenders are to some extent caught up in these processes, but Denney argues that black people are frequently unable or unwilling to be vdescribed and explained within the discourses of probation. He presents compelling evidence to suggest that some forms of probation practice can serve to discriminate against black people. Through the analysis of this evidence and constructive criticism of current government policy, Denney is able to offer positive suggestions for improved probation practice with black offenders. He looks at the implications of recent changes in penal policy on the development of probation work with black people and considers anti-racist training and future practice developments in the light of current government thinking.

1. Race Racism and The Probation Service 2. Explanations for Offending - The Perceptions of Probation Officers 3. Social Work Practice with Black and White Offenders 4. Language Power and Convention 5. Racism and Anti-Racism and Probation Policy 6. Anti-Racist Directions in Probation Practice and Training