The role of language in probation: A creative conversation

Abstract

This discussion piece emerged out of a conversation about the words we use to describe people who are engaged in and by the criminal justice system. It is underpinned by our belief that language, including the ways we describe people, has important effects in the world. The piece consists of two parts: a brief critical introduction, and a creative dialogue which reflects upon ten key words that have been used to describe people on probation.

Sexual Offending, Language and Probation Practice

“…This labelling is likely to negatively influence the process of secondary desistance, which involves the development of a non-offending identity, and tertiary desistance, which involves 'how one sees one's place in society' and how they are received by others (Maruna & Farrall, 2004;McNeill, 2016, p. 201). Whilst the terms used in the context of probation are typically more clinical than emotional, phrases such as 'probationer', 'offender' or 'POP' are still replete with messaging that ties the individual to criminality (Phillips & Bower, 2023).…”