Wiping Out Crime

he Criminon program operates within corrections systems throughout the United States and in other nations to rehabilitate offenders by restoring their sense of self-worth so that they can become productive members of society.

      Growing out of the worldwide Narconon ("no drugs") drug rehabilitation program, Criminon's purpose is to wipe out crime by eradicating the factors that create criminal behavior in the individual. Founded in 1972, the Criminon program consists of a precise sequence of steps, each one bringing about specific results in the individual to restore his self-respect.

      On-site Criminon programs in prisons and detention centers begin with the Communication Course, with practical instruction in how to communicate and how to face life rather than withdraw from it — the action that preceded and helped to bring about the criminal condition.

      That is followed with a course in learning how to learn, and continues with courses that include one based on the booklet, The Way to Happiness, which is the focus of the program conducted at Criminon Community Education Centers. The Way to Happiness helps to restore a person's innate goodness and pride. A person on the Criminon program soon discovers he is the one in charge of his actions, his life and his destiny.

      "The Criminon program enables criminals to regain their self-respect," said Tammy Terrenzi, executive director of Criminon International. "This is when a person realizes he is basically good and respects himself again — and wants to do good things in life, not bad. This is what Criminon is all about."

      In addition to on-site programs, during any given week, roughly 2,250 inmates are enrolled on Criminon correspondence courses in more than 750 U.S. prisons, as well as in prisons in Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Hungary, South Africa and Australia.

      Graduates of the program attest to its workability — as documented by the enormous volume of letters and success stories sent to Criminon offices.

      Whether the program is administered by correspondence or in person, the results provide hope for a civilization where crime and violence have long been top concerns.