Discussions with probation professionals and a recent conference have both shown that the concept of community involvement in probation is poorly understood and lacks strong support, despite an apparent political and social climate promoting a focus on community work. In addition, interpretations of the meaning of community development and community involvement vary widely. Moreover, both institutional traditions and personal factors have produced strong resistance to a change in the orientation of probation work. Furthermore, issues such as accountability, gender concerns, and racism will influence the development of community probation strategies and therefore need closer attention. Nevertheless, several principles can be stated that can form a positive basis for implementing the concept of control by the community. These principles include the need for the probation service to remain relevant to specific communities, the recognition that the probation role focuses on offenders and not on all aspects of a community, the need to mobilize community resources, and the importance of accountability and community empowerment. Reference notes.