Ex-Armed Services Personnel: Journeys to Harmful Behaviour

This research focuses on the life histories of ex‑armed services personnel who have committed offences of serious harm. Its purpose is to develop knowledge and understanding that can inform prevention, intervention, and improved support, with the aim of reducing the risk of future serious harm.

Supported by a widely representative Advisory Group, the research examines the life histories of 14 individuals, exploring the experiences and circumstances that shaped their journeys into harmful behaviour.

This research led directly to a subsequent implementation project focused on translating findings into practice across the criminal justice system: Journeys to Harmful Behaviour Implementation Report

Key themes and findings

Aspects of the findings are troubling and raise critical questions, including:

• Recruitment into military service

• Recognition and response to concerning behaviours

• Support for serving personnel, particularly in the period before leaving service

• The adequacy of follow‑up arrangements for those released from the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) following violent offences

The research does not seek to attribute blame, but to contribute to learning, prevention, and safer outcomes.

Policy context and impact

The importance of this research has been recognised within the Government Veterans Strategy Action Plan, which commits to responding to the findings:

“Follow up on the findings from the Probation Institute’s research publication into ex‑service personnel journeys into harmful behaviour. The MoJ will consider the findings from this research and explore what preventative interventions could be put in place to lower risk.” 

Research outputs

The following publications are available to download:

• Full Report

• Executive Summary

• Case Studies

Downloads