‘This is an excellent book which reflects not just the authors’ impressive knowledge of theory and research but their commitment to work constructively and creatively at the interfaces between theory, research, policy and practice. Far from offering a sterile and uncritical administrative criminology, this book meets head-on Nils Christie’s challenge that criminology be ‘problem-raising’ as well as ‘problem-solving’ for the state and its agencies of crime control. It deserves to be widely read by practitioners, managers, policy-makers, students and academics alike’ - Dr Fergus McNeill, Glasgow School of Social Work, Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. This is the first book to cover comprehensively and accessibly the area of applied criminology. It draws together leading experts with experience of teaching, research and practice. Each chapter engages with the application of criminology in a particular area of the community and criminal justice system, and offers: an overview of the relationship between criminological theory and policy and practice developments; critical reflection on whether criminology has been meaningfully engaged - paying particular attention to the contemporary issues and debates; evaluation of the implications for diverse communities, paying particular attention to discrimination and oppression and criminal justice values; and, summaries, case studies and further reading to support knowledge and understanding. This book is accompanied by a companion website to enhance the learning experience. This includes: lecture notes; online readings; student exercises; case studies; and, useful links. ‘This is an impressively current and relevant introduction to criminology in its applied form by some leading experts in their fields. A fitting tribute to Brian Williams (who was concerned always about the impact of criminal justice and penal policies and practice on both victims and offenders), this book fills a significant gap in criminological literature and is destined to become a core text for students of criminology and, hopefully for policy makers and practitioners too.’ Dr. Maurice Vanstone, Reader in Criminology and Criminal Justice Swansea University.
