Complying with the twelve-month probation order: the role of procedural justice and social capital

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to study why a selected group of offenders comply with the conditions of the one-year probation sentence. Instead of examining why offenders breached their order, the paper attempts to understand why some were able to comply with the probation sentence and were able to stop re-offending. To achieve this aim, this study gives a detailed account of the reasons for the successful completion with the sentence from the perspective of thirty ex-probationers in Hong Kong. One of the predominant themes that emerged from the qualitative interviews is that the probationers’ compliance is a result of the perception of procedural justice and legitimacy. Other themes are the importance of family support, the improvements of personal and social problems, and the help obtained from the supervising officer. Finally, implications for the probation practice and research will be discussed.