The Transformation of the Criminal Mind

THE SHIFT FROM EGO-CRIMINAL THOUGHTS TO RIGHT-MINDED THINKING Have you ever wondered how an Offender can ever reverse his thinking, to adopt a mental set to never violate laws again? I did too, therefore I took a Masters Course in the Masters program titled Correctional Counseling. I believed at that time that the rehabilitation of a criminal was nearly impossible. I also began attending regular meetings and studied the coursework of the book "A Course in Miracles." Initially I studied this spiritual work to improve my own personal relationships. During the same time period I was an active Deputy Probation Officer in Santa Clara County, Ca. I had a caseload of 150 Felon Offenders and was charged with both counseling them and writing recommendations of either prison or local probation. This book is a combination of all those experiences in my life, to come to the conclusion that every Offender needs to change his Mind in order not to recidivate. And I needed to tap into what factors (life history, family background, psychological, social, financial, spiritual) were the driving forces which drove him to repeat his crimes and, in most cases, to jail or prison. Each prisoner possessed belief systems which were detrimental to their progress in life. Yes, there were abuses the Offenders suffered in their younger years, including neglect by their parent. Yes, many of them were raised in religious homes. Yes, many of them dropped out of school too soon and began hanging around with delinquent kids. Yes, many came from one parent families, and yes, many homes where one or both parents were addicts. However none of those "causes" of the crimes fully explained the more vicious crimes, the heavy substance abuse, the ongoing disrespect for both males and females. Nor, I discovered, did knowing all these factors enable the professionals who reached out to them make a significant difference-to change their way of thinking. This was the great frustration for workers in the D.A.s office, Public Defenders offices, Defense attorneys, or Judges in rendering their opinion and judgements-of how to influence these Offenders in a positive way. So how do you change a person, to stop the crimes, and lead a life free from the justice system? It was a struggle for me to begin to see the errors in Offenders and begin to realize they had the power to change from within, but refused to access their power and sense of right and wrong decision-making. Finally, the inspiration of Holy Spirit who speaks in the Course in Miracles, led me to some conclusions I had never considered, namely, that a person needs to go through a purification process and eliminate fear from their thinking before Holy Spirit or Higher Power can inspire them to change. Finally, a reading of this book can help the offender to awaken to the possibility of changing ones mind, and learning to become a loving human being, whether one is in prison or on the outside. It is my hope this book will provide Offenders with some of the tools of thinking-which for many could lead to less time in custody, developing a more peaceful state while behind bars, and having healthy relationships that they were unable to establish while in fear and in ego thinking as described in the book. My prayers go out to all who read this book and may it benefit you beyond your wildest dreams Sincerely, John Hall, Author P.S. Another book will follow titled "Offenders Transformation Workbook"-a series of questions and answers, fill in the blanks, and further explanations of how transformation works. Designed for prisoners in custody, and anyone working with Offenders in the Criminal Justice arena. Excellent source book for relatives of offenders and university professors and students. JOHN W HALL, AUTHOR 916-705-6624