Fifty Year Stretch

Stephen Shaw was the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for England and Wales for over ten years  -  giving him an unusually close view of prisons and imprisonment. Latterly, he also investigated and reported on all deaths in custody. He was formerly Director of the UK's highly-respected Prison Reform Trust (PRT).

'A masterly account of prison, drawing from his own wealth of experience and reflections, which provides a challenging read for the layman and prison practitioners alike': Terry Nowell, Internet Law Book Reviews. 'A lively and readable introduction to prison policy past, present and future. A personal perspective which will challenge and provoke': Dr. Nick Flynn, De Montfort University. 'What we particularly liked about "Fifty Year Stretch" is its construction as a well-informed short history of prisons policy following the 'prison works' objective which may well be re-assessed in the coming years... the question which remains to be answered is does prison work? Stephen Shaw's book certainly does!': Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers. 'A very useful, accessible and comprehensive text written by a leading authority on prisons': Helen Arnold, University Campus Suffolk.

• 1. The Period in Question 2. Before the Flood 3. The Undeserving Poor 4. The Three Crises 5. Are We There Yet? 6. Secular Trends 7. Past Tense, Future Imperfect 8. Final Thoughts