The outline of one way forward encompasses the view of the probation service as a social catalyst which seeks to build bridges to those communities where concerns about crime are most pronounced. One key feature might be the notion of reparation and the concept of restorative justice. Another possible approach emerges from reconsideration of the probation officer's role in crime prevention and the nature of the relationship between the probation service and entities such as the Home Office's Safer Cities program. A crucial enabling mechanism may lie with new partnership arrangements being formed by means of the contracting out powers bestowed on probation communities through the Criminal Justice Act 1991. The probation service has opportunities to play a lead role in partnership with the voluntary sector and local government, a more secure role for the probation service that addresses crime within the community. Notes, references