Review: Funny, horrifying, and fascinating.  You won't put it down 'til you're finished!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 24, 2014
In the 1960's and 70's, the UK parole and probation system was steered by the philosophy that all "clients" (i.e. convicted criminals) were basically good people.  The actions which led to their legal problems were a result of being oppressed and disenfranchised by a cruel society.  They needed only kindness and non-judgmental support to set them on the right path. Even a slap on the wrist was considered cruel and unusual punishment.By the time this author entered civil service in the early 1990's, the tide had begun to turn.  Officers were sought with varied backgrounds (hers was in marketing) and pragmatism became the key word.  More sophisticated means of risk assessment were adopted and less emphasis was placed on the immediate happiness of the offender and more on the long-term protection of society.In her 25+ years as a probation officer, this lady has worked in prisons, courts, youth offender programs, probation hostels (half-way houses) and behavior modification programs.  She's seen it all and she tells her story very well indeed. She's met the jail house lawyers who know everything but how to stay out of jail.  She's met the revolving-door offenders who see themselves as victims and the probation officer as a public servant paid to help them game the system.  She's seen pedophiles who have no sense of remorse or guilt.  And, once in a while, she sees someone who has made a bad mistake and learned from it.As she says, "You can't make a racehorse out of a donkey."  Some offenders will go free against her wishes, sometimes against everyone's wishes! All she can do is the best she can in an underfunded system stretched too thin and hope that her recommendations are correct and that she's able to help those who can be helped.  It's an incredible responsibility and the brave souls who do it and take it seriously have my complete respect and deep admiration. They are truly unsung heroes.