This article describes the psychiatrist's tasks within the Dutch Probation and Aftercare Service for Adult Offenders. In 1995 the Service has undergone structural changes. The Aftercare Service nowadays refrains from treating offenders but instead refers if necessary to specialised institutions within the Mental Health Service. Critical remarks are made on contemporary psychiatry, for instance the one-sided orientation to natural sciences. The question is raised whether in the years to come ethical questions should take more priority over pure theoretical or technical issues.