This book analyses the impact of Integrated Offender Management (IOM) on contemporary policing and separates the rhetoric from the reality. Drawing on a qualitative study within an English police force over two years, this book examines the experiences of prolific offenders, subject to IOM, and sheds light on the culture and practice of the police and staff from other criminal justice agencies, working within the scheme.

While IOM has been judged to have had initial successes in reducing the criminal activities of prolific offenders, this book tests the validity of such claims, and considers the apparent disjuncture between policy statements made about the workings of IOM and how IOM policing operations are realized on the ground. It makes a unique contribution to research on police culture and practice, and multi-agency working in the criminal justice system.

An accessible and compelling read, this book will appeal to policymakers, as well as students and scholars of criminology, sociology policing, and politics.

About the Author

Frederick Cram is a Lecturer in Law and Director of the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice at Cardiff University, UK.

Reviews

'Following its introduction, over two decades ago, Integrated Offender Management has become a ubiquitous multi-agency approach to the management of convicted offenders in communities across England and Wales. This monograph, by Frederick Cram, provides a major empirical contribution to analysis of the role of the police in this model of criminal justice. Rich and detailed evidence - situated within contemporary debates about police culture, police decision-making and legitimacy - is combined with engaging discussion of offenders' experiences of Integrated Offender Management. This is essential reading for those with a concern about the feasibility and value of this style of multi-agency policing.'

Carolyn Hoyle, Professor of Criminology, University of Oxford

'A vital and compelling account of contemporary criminal justice practice, Cram provides significant - and at times deeply troubling - insight into the realities of multi-agency policing. The book is an outstanding example of the advantages of ethnography in bringing to life frontline police work.'

Michael Rowe, Professor of Criminology, Northumbria University

'This is an excellent book that provides a fascinating ethnographic analysis of the police role in the multi-agency management of offenders by a local Integrated Offender Management Unit in England. It explores in detail the interaction between the professed rehabilitative aims of this model of criminal justice and traditional police cultures, attitudes and practices. Frederick Cram's book will be of great interest to academics, policy makers and practitioners across a range of criminological fields including policing, offender management and desistance.'

Trevor Jones, Professor of Criminology, Cardiff University

Book Information
ISBN 9780367254148
Author Frederick Cram
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 594g