Perceptions of work as a route away from crime

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of work as a means of desisting from crime among a group of male probationers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with male probationers to ascertain their views on desistance from crime and the factors which would enable or constrain them in their endeavours.

Findings

The research found that individuals regard employment as a key conduit to maintaining desistance from crime, but that several barriers exist to achieving this? Crucially, the research found that individuals identified various difficulties associated with external agencies to whom they had been referred for assistance in obtaining employment. This poses questions of the current government's approach towards expanding public‐private partnerships in probation.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a small sample of 20 male probationers. However, the findings suggest that further research should be conducted in this area.

Social implications

The research raises questions about recent government policy in this area, and about the effectiveness of some approaches designed to reduce reoffending.

Originality/value

The research examines an area of desistance which has previously received little attention. The findings are of concern for academics and practitioners concerned with desistance and recidivism.

Citation

King, S. (2013), "Perceptions of work as a route away from crime", Safer Communities, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 122-132. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-12-2012-0016