How the state 'deals with' crime and criminality is a major issue for all students of criminology and criminal justice. This book offers a fresh perspective on the policy making process in the criminal justice system of England and Wales by presenting a detailed overview of both the theory behind it and how it plays out in practise with contemporary policy examples.

The key features of this text include a detailed analysis of the basic political concepts surrounding the relationship between the citizen and the state as well as an overview of the state departments, organizations and individuals who are instrumental in creating and influencing policy. This book also analyses how criminal justice policy is interpreted and implemented on the street and comprises a range of discussion points and suggested further readings.

By taking a unique criminal justice focussed approach to policy making, this text is perfect for the undergraduate taking modules in criminology, criminal justice, policing, the voluntary sector and social and public policy. It will also be of interest to those who are taking more vocational routes and practitioners.