Abstract
David Mathieson, ex-editor of Probation Journal and Merseyside’s chief probation officer from 1981 until his retirement in 1999, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in March at the age of 71. He was synonymous with the probation service, having commenced his career in 1962 at Preston as the youngest probation officer in the country and then moving to Merseyside in 1963. As David moved quickly through the ranks he was also national vice-chair of the National Association of Probation Officers during the 1960s as well as editing Probation Journal. Along with other notable North West colleagues, he brought probation out of the shadows through his sustained commitment over some thirty years to influencing the local, regional and national criminal justice system.
He was without doubt intellectually able, and his ability to analyse the political and social landscape and to write simply and eloquently about the world of probation was a very significant tool of influence. Whether it was an article for a learned journal or a letter of condolence to the family of a staff member, his words were superbly crafted and reflected his sensitivity to, and concern for, either the person involved or the issue at hand. He contributed regularly to the Journal and other publications, and for a generation of practitioners in the 1970s, his booklet Reports for the Courts (written with Leslie Herbert and published by Napo) was one of the few practice-focused guides available at the time. 1 One of his last pieces for Probation Journal was a beautifully written reflection – what’s in a name? Published in 1998, David argued that ‘The term Probation Service has proved extremely durable, so if a change of name is thought desirable, then something equally durable is needed. It is not just a quick and easy matter of alighting on a name that sounds tough and American.’ 2 His style was never confrontational, rather he always tried to encourage individuals to reflect and reconsider their position.
His commitment to the humanitarian values of social work were unwavering and his belief that all offenders had the capacity to change was profound and unshakable. He also believed in the strength of poor communities to organise themselves and his personal attempts to influence the Thatcher Government’s thinking about urban regeneration following the 1981 Toxteth disturbances was tenacious and sustained. He was particularly proud to work with Archbishop Derek Worlock and Bishop David Sheppard on social policies affecting Merseyside.
David wasn’t just a chief officer – his life was probation and he looked upon Merseyside Probation as an extension of his own close family. He prided himself on knowing the names of all his staff and his simple acts of acknowledgement, encouragement, praise and recognition to individual members of staff, irrespective of their role, were legendary.
David was a Merseysider to the core and his engagement in a range of charities as well as the cultural life of the region was deeply impressive -- so too was his devotion to his beloved Everton FC. I have lost a friend, mentor and colleague and the probation service has lost one of its great servants and leaders