A state parole officer from Rosenberg, Kevin Lofton, a.k.a. Slim Dog, has recently written a book called "X'ed Out," which is an attempt to inform the public about the difficulties that parolees and probationers have to deal with.

Lofton, 24, is a criminal justice graduate from Sam Houston State University.

"Performing my daily duties as a parole officer, I see the frustration, disappointment and heartache these ladies and gentlemen face each day." Lofton wrote, "It is very bad because the majority of them are good people that have literally made a minor mistake. Many of these people have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it will haunt them forever."

Lofton hopes that children will have the opportunity to read or have this book read to them.

"I feel that if the young people were to find out what these ex-offenders are going through, then they might stay out of trouble," Lofton said. "At times I get so frustrated that I would like to take my skills where they might be helpful and work with the youth."

Lofton explained that he is not using his book as a scapegoat for those who re-offend

"I'm not saying that everyone that's in prison should not be there," Lofton said. "This is for the people who are trying to do the right thing."

Lofton feels that criminal background checks which are regularly performed on applications for residence, credit an[d] employment are wrong, because they are meant to exclude the ex-offender.

"At this level in the system, no one cares about them. A person on parole or probation instantly gets an X on his back and is marked out of society. Everywhere they go doors are slammed in their faces," Lofton said. "It's hard when you have to live with an X on your back and difficult to survive."

Lofton also thinks the media constantly showing parolees who are arrested again lessons the chances for those parolees who are trying to better themselves.

"The news media and talk shows should allocate some time to show the public some footage of the former prisoners who have changed and are making positive actions with their lives," Lofton wrote. "There are parolees, some who have families and are good family oriented people, who have started successful business careers. Many parolees have very strong religious beliefs and strive to fight against crime by volunteering at outreach centers."

The book covers fifteen areas which Lofton believes are critical for parolees and probationers. These areas include rap music, the system, propaganda, cultural diversity, surroundings and behavior, trust, support groups and organizations, women, children and victims.

Lofton wrote that rap music can be very important in dealing with many of the problems people face, and that much of it describes the kind of life not to live.

"People who say that rap influences violence and violating the law really don't understand the music or purpose," Lofton said.

Lofton also said many people do not understand the system and often lash out and threaten those who are only doing their job, like parole officers and policemen.

"The criminal justice system is governed by a chain of command," Lofton said. "Usually the person working directly with an individual is one of the lowest in that chain and is just following orders."

Cultural diversity is also an area which Lofton believes is important for everyone to be aware of.

"In regular occurrences, people make wrong judgments about others from different backgrounds and cultures; however, it becomes detrimental to those on probation and parole because they have files and their behavior is labeled," he wrote.

By being X'ed out, Lofton believes the only place for the ex-offender to go is back to his or her old groups and habits. Therefore, support groups and organizations are necessary to reduce recidivism.

"Unfortunately, some X-offenders are lonely individuals in a society that he is unaccustomed to," Lofton wrote. "If not directed or encouraged, he will join the only group to which he is eligible-social outcasts. My suggestion is to start up organizations to show people that change is possible and is common."

Lofton said he tells his male parolees that his recommendation for success is to be beside a good woman.

"Women are X'ed out more than any particular group on earth — partly due to tradition," Lofton said. "I try and try to figure out how a woman can work, raise children, be a mother, keep a man happy, run a household (most women handle the money because we [men] are irresponsible), and deal with all the stereotypes, unequal opportunities and expectations of this society."

Lofton believes children should have role models to look up to so they might better themselves and stay out of trouble.

Lofton said what needs to be done is to get those who are successful and have achieved success through education, to become mentors to children.

"I applaud the NBA for the job it is doing," Lofton said. "Kids everywhere are starting to read more because Grant Hill, Shaquille O'Neal and Juwon Howard read."

Lofton, who has been a victim of crime, feels that victims should understand that each case should be judged individually, because some people can be rehabilitated while in prison.