The prefatory chapter discusses the history of community involvement in the post-World War II era, and introduces an international dimension by discussing research on community participation in the criminal justice systems of other countries. The authors distinguish between community involvement in an informal sense and voluntary work as a formalized basis for participation. Different types of voluntary organizations and volunteers are considered, and arguments for and against volunteerism are discussed. The bulk of the book discusses the role volunteers play in the British probation service, police (as special constables), and in victim services. The analyses focus on volunteer profiles, volunteers' choice of agencies and types of work, relationships between volunteers and professionals, and participation of volunteers in the agency subculture. 252 references